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‘PLM? That’s NDP 4’- Claude O. Skelton-Cline

- said NDP may have a chance in 2031 or 2035, but not 2027
May 15th, 2026 | Tags: Virgin Islands politics NDP PLM PVIM election
Social Commentator and host of Honestly Speaking, Claude O. Skelton-Cline, has said former legislator and National Democratic Member (NDP) Mark H. Vanterpool’s most recent political move did not surprise him, calling Vanterpool’s newly introduced political party just another faction of the NDP. Photo: VINO
Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline during Honestly Speaking on May 5, 2026. Photo: Facebook
Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline during Honestly Speaking on May 5, 2026. Photo: Facebook
Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline said the National Democratic Party may have a chance of winning the 2031 or 2035 general election, but not the 2027 elections. Photo: NDP
Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline said the National Democratic Party may have a chance of winning the 2031 or 2035 general election, but not the 2027 elections. Photo: NDP
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- The social commentator and host of Honestly Speaking, Claude O. Skelton-Cline, has said former legislator and National Democratic Party (NDP) member Mark H. Vanterpool’s most recent political move did not surprise him, calling Vanterpool’s newly introduced political group just another faction of the NDP.

Following Vanterpool’s loss in the April 18 internal election for leadership roles within the NDP, he introduced the People’s Leadership Movement (PLM) to contest the 2027 general elections of the Virgin Islands (VI). 

Vanterpool lost the race for the chairmanship of the NDP to Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), who, days later, went on to be named Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition. 

Now we have NDP 4

Skelton-Cline, during his show on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, said there have been 4 variations of the NDP. 

“There was the original NDP. They split in 2019, NDP became PVIM-NDP 1 and NDP 2. Earlier this year, they came back and told us the family is back, they had a press conference, we together again, that was NDP 3. Then they had election on the 18th of April, that Saturday night. By Sunday morning, we heard that some horse broke their feet and now we hearing we got NDP 4.”

He questioned whether the electors in the VI are supposed to take these current representatives and aspiring representatives seriously. 

“We’re supposed to take you all word for anything? Does your word mean anything at all? Y’all went in that night, fooled all the people, tell them it’s kumbaya, the prodigal son is home, and please kill the fatted calf, let’s throw a party, the family is back, and we’re going to submit to whatever the results of this election is.”

He called them out, saying that less than 24 hours after the internal election, there was NDP 4. “PLM, that’s NDP 4.”

NDP may have a chance in 2031 or 2035, but not 2027

Skelton-Cline added he was not surprised by this most recent split. 

“I am not surprised by this petulant, I am not surprised by this impulsive, this transactional behaviour, I am not surprised.”

He also cautioned that “the tree has not stop shaking yet. There’s still some more mangoes to fall from the tree”. 

Hon Penn, he opined, should gear up for possible election to head the government in 2031 or 2035, saying, “it ain’t going to be in this guava crop.”

32 Responses to “‘PLM? That’s NDP 4’- Claude O. Skelton-Cline”

  • Tired Now (15/05/2026, 10:03) Like (25) Dislike (6) Reply
    Somebody put dis man on a ticket so he could shut the kcuf up. Since when he turn political strategist
  • LOL (15/05/2026, 10:19) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
    Claude is spazzing out because his Uncle is no longer in the mix. He needs an inside man to get his way and he won't get that with Mark.
  • pat (15/05/2026, 10:45) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Marlon win the fight but lost the war
    • Yow (16/05/2026, 04:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      All because of greed, if they had let the voting be fair this result would not of happen- anyways he got D. Valacj and H Cline as his hunch men, both are loosers
  • BUSY BEE (15/05/2026, 11:11) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Without any economic vision, no central philosophy of how the territory's economy ought to function - Labour/Social Democratic, Conservative/Laissez Faire, or whatever - all our political parties are same old pigs with lipstick applied, whether it's 1, 2, 3, 4, VIP or whatever. Just different self-interest groups hoping to leech off the spoils system.
  • pat (15/05/2026, 11:17) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Boss you miss the alliance
  • TRUTH TELLER (15/05/2026, 11:35) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Even a fool is thought by others to be wise, if he stays quiet. Proverbs 17:28 That means, if a foolish person listen more and talks less, his ignorance will not be so eaisly recognized by others. Mr. Claude Skelton Cline, my brother, calm down. Wicked people will continue in wicked doing, and righteous people will continue in righteous ding, hopefully. God alone being their empowering source of strength.
    Your are not a Godly prophets of truth. Leave Mark to do as he pleases, don't yoy say and do as you please? Yes, you say and do as you please, most of the time, I some of time do the same as you,. ssssh!
  • struups (15/05/2026, 11:56) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Claudie bwoi, go kiss a rattle snake nuh, it would be snake kissing snake
  • %100 raise (15/05/2026, 11:56) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Coalition government it shall be, stay tune.
  • Herbs Powa (15/05/2026, 12:21) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    NDP delegates make it so hard for Z6ne to now vote for Myron. choosing Marlon and Mitch, the M&M politicians which should have been their last option. The delegates got it so wrong causing the PLM to form. Its pressure on people now to vote for any other NDP's knowing that the M&M's will be premier and deputy.
  • Same Names (15/05/2026, 12:34) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Please for the love of God can we stop recycling the same tired, useless, corrupt politicians?
  • Blind Man (15/05/2026, 13:08) Like (11) Dislike (9) Reply
    People of the 4 district if you have sense and anytime you see anything with Yellow it says Caution which means something is wrong so don't be fool .NDP is red they have had the country at a stand still for years when they were in power nothing to show not even the plane they couldn't find. VIP is green yes they're a young team but they have gotten things done in the short space of time while trying to digging out of the financial mess the NDP left work is in progress they deserve a next term.
    • At blind man (16/05/2026, 04:18) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      You really blind as F..k- so wasting money on dance hall artists, plain parties- and the list goes on.is vision for you as in getting alot done
  • Coolio (15/05/2026, 13:48) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mark has a point. It's been a month since NDP elections and nothing from the newly elected Chairman and Deputy, nothing. It seems like their ploy was not well thought out at all and I would be very surprised if the NDP fields a full slate of candidates at this rate. Last elections Marlon was the leader of NDP and struggled to find candidates. He had Myron as a viable candidate and Mark as a hype man during the campaign and barely made it through. He lost Lorna and couldn't form a government, giving us 4 yrs of the VIP. When he became Leader of Opp before that he lost Alvera to Andrew/VIP. Marlon is a complete failure and it shows! When asked by multiple media houses what experience he brings, he touts his 15yrs being elected. That's it. I won 3 elections, that's my experience.
  • asura (15/05/2026, 14:34) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Heard Marlon and his 3 wise men was already making campaign promises as if they had the government ha ha ha losers
  • Matty Boi (15/05/2026, 14:38) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply

    Claude and Mark are lne and the same. They both have sweet mouths and will promise you the WORLD on a silver platter! Just like CsC is for self; so too is MHV. Do you all remember that the Pier Park was ALL MVH & CsC doing - meaning the cost overruns and issues w/Darley?

    CsC is as void of a moral compass as is MVH. I say to both NDP under M&M & VIP - pull all the receipts on MVH and air his deceitful self-agrandising self to air out in PUBLIC. Air out who all got some of the $5mill + (it is over that) and the money trail. Who restaurants got bought out and will soon have to humble themselves to MHV for him bailing them out.... wait and see whi he owns with ^^^^^ed funds....

  • Macky (15/05/2026, 14:44) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    No Claude they dont stand a chance in 2031 either, they have disrepected the ppl enough with their foolishness and are dead on arrival. Better the United party come back to contest the elections...
  • m and m (15/05/2026, 15:12) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    The NDP chose the wrong m and m they should have choose mark and Myron. Marlon and Mitch are two waste of time. They combined for 32 years in politics tell me one single accomplishment anyone of them have to their credit.
  • hey (15/05/2026, 16:11) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    Everyone knows that mark aint a trustworthy individual. He has cross the floor many times. He is not stable. NDP better pff without him. All this money he spending buying all these businesses he need taxpayers money to purchase the rest of Tola.
  • moses (15/05/2026, 16:48) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Lest we forget, the NDP was VIP2. That's the evolving nature and dynamics of politics.
    • Give Mark Credit. (15/05/2026, 17:08) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
      PLP already looked more organized than, NDP, PVIM and CCM...They already have a formatable slate of 6 candidates...3 at large, 3 district...3 of my 5 Votes already gone, the other two, I am waiting, I am not voting party, I am voting individuals. Individuals that usually make time to talk to me, good morning, good afternoon With respect. Not those who trying to be nice now they are running
    • @ Moses (15/05/2026, 17:09) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
      No no vip wants nothing to do with this mess 4 more years of vip yall
  • Tafari Zharr (15/05/2026, 17:14) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    A COLLECTIVE JOURNEY
    by Tafari Zharr


    A Compelling Case for Atty. Janice Stoutt as Leader of the proposed (RLP) Reform Leadership Party.


    The time to prioritize the Virgin Islands over party politics is now. Atty. Janice Stoutt represents a fresh start with the best qualities needed to lead the newly established Reform Leadership Party (RLP). She is ready to work from day one with a results-driven mindset. It’s time to shift the narrative: instead of asking what your country can do for you, let’s focus on what you can do for your country.

    I never thought I would agree with Commentator CSC, but the BVI truly needs a person of the soil and a woman in pivotal vanguard leadership. Atty. Janice Stoutt stands as a transformative figure, uniquely positioned to galvanize the support of the electorate and navigate the challenges facing the territory.

    The “Ballasts-Strong”story is purposefully written and illustrated by a deeply humanity of community fuels her connections, as Stoutt, often referred to as a "daughter of the soil," embodies the spirit of the Virgin Islands. Her deep-rooted connection to the community enables her to advocate for residents' rights and needs effectively. This intrinsic bond fosters trust and engagement, crucial for those she aims to represent.

    The Best Intentions should be in showing cause not just accumulating professional qualifications; and so as an accomplished attorney-at-law and former Senior Crown Counsel, Stoutt has established a formidable reputation. Her extensive legal expertise positions her to handle the complex regulatory frameworks and public policies impacting the BVI. For instance, her involvement in significant legal cases shows her capability to tackle pressing issues head-on.

    Additionally, her role as Deputy Chair of the Constitutional Review Commission reflects her commitment to governance reform and her ability to lead crucial discussions about the territory's future.

    Building upon a lasting relationship between the “Ballast Economic Vision” is one reason for optimism about the future economic landscape of the BVI where ancestral rights doesn’t compete against other sectors like the rest or even whatever is driven by offshore financial services and tourism, presenting both opportunities and ethical challenges. Stoutt understands the importance of transparency within the financial sector and aims to enhance the local economy while preserving the UK’s international reputation.

    Her advocacy for sustainable tourism demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that economic growth does not compromise our environment or the integrity of local communities. Partnerships with environmentally conscious organizations can serve as a model for sustainable development.

    The Capacity of the Community princess is her capacity to shore her Diplomatic Prowess: In today’s geopolitical climate, Stoutt’s outstanding diplomatic skills enable her to serve as a vital bridge between the BVI and the UK. She is adept at engaging in constructive dialogues that acknowledge historical ties, while advocating for greater autonomy and self-determination. Her history of collaborative projects illustrates her dedication to fostering a cooperative relationship that empowers the BVI to assert its identity while navigating complex governance issues.

    Leveraging the H Lavity Stoutt Commemorative Celebration via a Theatrical Presentation and moreover other productions in kind, is her commitment to not speaking about culture but doing the deservedly for Social Equity and Cultural Identity. Stoutt is equally committed to addressing social inequalities and preserving the cultural identity of the BVI. Her advocacy aims to ensure equitable distribution of economic benefits derived from financial services and tourism among all residents. Efforts to engage and inspire youth to participate politically emphasize the importance of their role in shaping the future of their society. Programs designed to involve young people in community decision-making could further solidify this commitment.

    So as to ensure a conversation on the “Arguments for a Fresh Start: Now is the moment for the Reform Leadership Party to rise, embodying the values of inclusivity, integrity, and transparency. Atty. Janice Stoutt is the leader who can guide this new political era, where the needs and voices of the people of the Virgin Islands are prioritized over party allegiance.

    By establishing a governance model that fosters community engagement and accountability, the RLP can pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future.


    In this time of transformation, we invite the people of the Virgin Islands to embrace the vision of the Reform Leadership Party. Together, we can embark on a journey that not only reshapes our political landscape but also reinforces our identity and values.

    Let us unite for a fresh start, where the spirit of cooperation and collective action leads us toward a thriving future for all.





    Footnote:

    Disclaimer: Un enslaved, Unbothered, Unbought, Free thought.

    The author, Tafari Zharr, is a multidisciplinary award winning artist whose work reflects the complex tapestry of identity, culture, and community. Drawing from a multiethnic heritage and personal experiences, Zharr aims to evoke emotions and provoke thought, encouraging audiences to reflect on their identities within a broader societal context.



    “Reform Leadership Party (RLP)” and A COLLECTIVE JOURNEY” Copyright (c) 2026 by Tafari Zharr. Used by permission of Tafari Zharr, LLC. All rights reserved.
    • @Tafari zhan. Stop it . (16/05/2026, 07:13) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      The party already has a leader, stop instilling confusion in the organization. If Janice Stout is on PLP slate, that's great . I like her, She can easily win in #1, that dead Horse representing #1, even if you hook up live current to that horse can't get it move. It will just go around in circles..I believe in Systems and structure, people just need to work within that Circle. J.Stoutt no doubt can be considered for deputy, she is qualified and pleasant...
  • Tafari Zharr (15/05/2026, 19:23) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    In order not to offend anyone
    Please print the following:

    “In our journey as a community, it is essential that we confront xenophobia—the fear or prejudice against those from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Each culture enriches our society, and it's crucial that we recognize and celebrate the contributions of all women, regardless of their origins.

    We must foster an environment of inclusivity and respect, where different voices are heard and valued. By encouraging dialogue and cultural exchange, we not only strengthen our community but also enrich our understanding of one another.

    So I give you the Inclusive Leadership Party (ILP) as a gesture of good faith and hope we can move away from the divisive rhetoric .
  • Fran (15/05/2026, 22:44) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I'm getting DIZZY from all of this.
  • mark v (16/05/2026, 07:48) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mark progress often comes with scandal. Remember Pier Park ??Keep him out of Leadership of Country please.
    • At least something to show (16/05/2026, 20:02) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      At least he has something to show for it... other parties wasting more and not a shif$% to show!
  • Huh? (17/05/2026, 09:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Has something to show for it?!? The TPP is a joke. So much more could have been done there. But the sticky fingers gang were involved. Not impressed. Mediocrity at best.
  • PomPahLom (17/05/2026, 10:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tafari, where you coming from with your stories? People don't speak truth any more? You ever spoke to the woman to find out her position, you just up hot and dry printing her name like you are entitled. I have spoken to her; she is willing to work for the country first. She has an emotional passion to see a developed BVI. She has not aligned herself with no PLM, Pom-pah-Lom. Stop making confusion in this political season.


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