(L-R) Talking Points Co-hosts Damion C. Grange, Violet Thomas-Gaul, and guest Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8). Photo: Facebook

Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) said the National Democratic Party is ready to run the country and contest the next general election. Photo: NDP

During the February 16, 2026, airing of Talking Points on ZBVI 780 AM, co-host Violet Thomas-Gaul asked Hon Penn, who was the guest, “Do you think that the NDP right now is ready to run this country?”

“Yes, we are, we’ve been ready,” Hon Penn replied confidently, adding, “I know we have the capacity, we have the knowledge to get things done, and we have persons who have the people's best interest at heart.”

Respecting the will of the people

Co-host Damion C. Grange admitted to being surprised at Hon Penn’s response, as it seems that there is a fight for leadership within the party. 

“Do you remain leader and do you foresee yourself remaining leader going into election?”

“I am currently, and that’s up to the delegates of the party.” He said the NDP will go through its process, and once executed, the “will of the people” will be respected. 

Grange also asked if the decision of the delegates will be respected this time, citing Hon Ronnie W. Skelton’s (AL) decision to leave the NDP and form the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) after losing Chairmanship. 

Hon Penn said he has always respected the will of the people and has been consistent in his position since joining in 1998. 

Rebuilding the NDP

“Through all the turbulent time I’ve remained…the party members are still there, as you know, we had a merger between myself, Hon Skelton and the PVIM,” Hon Penn added. 

He revealed that work is being done behind the scenes to rebuild the NDP. 

This, he said, is to “ensure that once we move forward, we move forward with a structured approach in terms of how we’re going to govern not just the organisation but govern the country moving forward.”

Currently, Bishop John I. Cline is the interim Chairman of the NDP pending the party’s election of officers. 

Asked if he was confident in the people who will run for elections to lead the NDP, he answered, “Yes, I am satisfied…it is a continuous process. I think we’re going to rebuild, we have good persons who have put themselves up for elected office.”

Ready for a snap election

Grange asked Hon Penn if the NDP would be ready to contest a snap election, though he stated that Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who was a guest a few weeks ago, shut down rumours of a snap election. 

“Yes, we will be ready if he calls early elections. It is our intention to be ready, and I have no doubt that we’ll be ready.”

“How do you determine that you’ll be ready?… How can you say that you’re ready when your electorate doesn’t even have a clue as to who the candidates are?” Grange followed up. 

Hon Penn replied that the intention is not to drop NDP candidates just before an election, but to roll out the various district NDP candidates soon.