Tension mounts as NDP chooses Chairman; Has Hon Penn emerged as frontrunner?
Then, in 2025, a further split with the Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6) led Alliance- dubbed NDP 3- occurred. Hon Walwyn took two members of the PVIM. Then, last year, it was announced that the NDP and the PVIM had reunited. Then came word earlier this year that the breakaway Alliance had also rejoined the ranks, and now they have claimed to be united again under one NDP banner. However, the public, social commentators and civil society remain sceptical of the ‘do whatever it takes for power’ display.
Tension over internal voters list
However, tensions and political gymnastics continue, and many political handlers are working overtime to keep the group together, especially as it gets closer to the election of a new Chairman. Firstly, former legislator and businessman Mark H. Vanterpool has returned and stated both privately and publicly that he wants to be the NDP boss and the Premier. He is expected to run At Large.
He has put his hat in the ring for Chairman as the vote is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Maria’s By The Sea Hotel. Also in the race for party Chairman is Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) and Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL).
Additionally, the controversial Hon Walwyn is running to become the deputy chair of the NDP as he is up against Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) for that post.
Meanwhile, there have been recent tensions over the list of delegates and who can vote. One member, speaking to our newsroom on condition of anonymity, noted that “some have tried to rig the list in their favour; however, names continue to be added and removed from the list in many of the districts,” the person noted.
Is Hon Penn the frontrunner?
Some political commentators have stated that Hon Penn has emerged as the frontrunner, as the vote will be split between Mr Vanterpool and Hon Skelton. It is believed that each of the three candidates (Penn, Vanterpool, Skelton) controls a wing in the NDP, and it remains to be seen what the voters will do and whether the NDP can rally around whoever wins the contest.
Some have said Hon Penn was there through the three break-ups of the NDP and kept the remnants of the party together, and should be rewarded for that. Others differ and said he may not be the right person to lead the party into one of its toughest general elections yet.
Whoever wins the chairmanship will likely become the premier, if the NDP is able to capture a majority of seats in the 2027 general elections, so the stakes are high. It is unclear when the NDP will choose their candidates for both districts and at-large positions.
VIP united behind Its Chairman-Willock
Meanwhile, in the ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP) camp, there seems not to be so much tension. One social media operative, controversial Rosemary Lucinda Rosan, aka 'Cindy', claimed recently that there was tension and two members were going to challenge Party Boss Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) for the leadership. However, in an invited comment, long-time VIP Member, former Speaker and businessman Julian Willock dismissed it as “utter rubbish and the usual fake news to generate attention”.
Mr Willock stated that “every family will have their difference of opinion on approach, and we have mechanisms within the party to work them out as the Premier is very accessible, but the VIP Congress is strongly united behind our Chairman, and that includes all elected Members, and you can take that to the bank.”
The VIP will be hosting a huge 55th anniversary gala at Scrub Island on Saturday, April 18, 2026, under the theme: ‘Golden Roots and Green Horizons’. It is expected to be jam-packed, and many residents from all walks of life will be honoured. The event will be an evening of elegance, a celebration of legacy and a movement in history, according to organisers.
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36 Responses to “Tension mounts as NDP chooses Chairman; Has Hon Penn emerged as frontrunner?”
The additional three (Hon. Smith, Hon.fraser and Hon. Mather) have brought measurable value, helping to secure the party’s viability, and the Premier has navigated well in understanding what motivates and sustains their support. Every leader benefits from sound counsel, and he appears to have that in his brother, Benito, whose temperament and strategic sense lend themselves to balanced judgment.
The VIP, in short, remains cohesive. That this narrative is being circulated at all suggests a level of concern from the opposition rather than any genuine internal fracture.
What people are looking for now is someone without that baggage. Someone steady. Someone they can rally around.
Hon. Penn and Hon. Turnbull? They’re clearly part of the party’s future. No question. But they have time, and instead of using it to learn, build, and be mentored, there are moments where they come across as a 2 year old demanding ice cream.Patience goes a long way .
Then there’s Hon. Skelton. This isn’t about likability; it’s about connection. Voters need to feel that you understand them, and that’s where he struggles; He is aloof and unapproachable and it will show up in his inability to really move votes down ballot. Add in the fact that he’s shown a willingness to break away if things don’t go his way, and now you’ve got unpredictability layered on top of a communication style that doesn’t exactly energize people.
If the NDP is serious about competing, the choice is pretty straightforward: Mark Vanterpool. He’s run a large business, he understands how government works, and—most importantly—he knows how to execute. He also has something the others don’t: the ability to pull votes from outside the base, including from the VIP and positively influence down ticket candidates . To select other wise would be a textbook exercise in futility.
He just can’t deliver himself, sorry to say but that is plain facts.
Place your bets….