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‘The party is not breaking up; We just have one rogue member’- John I. Cline

- accused Mark H. Vanterpool of going rogue after 'not getting his way' @recent NDP convention
Bishop John I. Cline has indicated that the National Democratic Party (NDP) is not disbanding over the fallout from one “rogue member,” referring to Mark H. Vanterpool. Photo: Facebook
During the party's special convention held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Mr. Mark H. Vanterpool contested the Chairmanship of the NDP but was defeated in a landslide vote by Hon. Marlon A. Penn (R8), receiving 29 votes compared to Mr. Penn’s 65. Photo: VINO/ File
During the party's special convention held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Mr. Mark H. Vanterpool contested the Chairmanship of the NDP but was defeated in a landslide vote by Hon. Marlon A. Penn (R8), receiving 29 votes compared to Mr. Penn’s 65. Photo: VINO/ File
CANE GARDEN BAY, Tortola, VI - Bishop John I. Cline has indicated that the National Democratic Party (NDP) is not disbanding over the fallout from one “rogue member,” referring to Mark H. Vanterpool.

Bishop John I. Cline, the former Interim President of the NDP, addressed concerns about the party’s stability during a Facebook Live session on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

In response to a media question about whether the party is breaking up, he stated, “Of course not, it's not breaking up, you just have one rogue member, who felt entitled, he didn't get what he wanted, so he's leaving. That's what you have, but the core of the party is strong; let the fringes fall off.”

Hon. Marlon A. Penn defeated Mark H. Vanterpool 

During the party's special convention held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Mr Vanterpool contested the Chairmanship of the NDP but was defeated in a landslide vote by Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8), receiving 29 votes compared to Mr Penn’s 65.

Following this defeat, the former legislator and prominent businessman, Vanterpool, who had his high-end Range Rover wrapped in the colours of the National Democratic Party, unwrapped it.

It remains unclear whether Mr Vanterpool will continue with the NDP, run At-Large, or consider a run for the Fourth District. 

Virgin Islands News Online sought a comment from Mr Vanterpool on Bishop Cline's recent statement; however, the request was unsuccessful.

6 Responses to “‘The party is not breaking up; We just have one rogue member’- John I. Cline ”

  • confused (24/04/2026, 08:23) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Didn't the NDP had an election Saturday night i say the New Chairman or President would address all maters when it ces to the Party . So which means Bishop is still the President and Paul is just on paper food for thought
  • Citizen (24/04/2026, 08:32) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    i rather follow mark than the bishop, dude is suppose dto be in church not leading politics
  • the block (24/04/2026, 08:34) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tell John Cline go wrap there jeep
  • Sticking with VIP (24/04/2026, 09:02) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    We cannot have a country run by a group of people placing self-interest over the interest of our home. Even the Bishop not giving the new Chairman a chance to speak on party matters. #keepfighting
  • WOW (24/04/2026, 09:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon. Melvin Turnbull:

    - 2015 Ran with NDP and won the 2nd District Race
    - 2018 Left NDP with Ronnie after Ronnie lost the NDP Chairmanship Race
    - 2019 Formed PVIM to contest elections and won the 2nd District Race
    - 2022 Joined the UNITY Government with Marlon after both chastised Hon. Wheatley/VIP. They joined because it meant they finally got to be Ministers
    - 2023 Despite the calling for unity by the voting public, they proceeded with PVIM, Mitch, Uncle Ronnie and Uncle John Cline
    - 2025 Throws Ronnie Skelton under the bus and forms The Alliance with Mather and Walwyn
    - 2026 Realizes Marlon is desperate so comes back to the NDP under the darkness of night, colluded with Marlon with the delegates list and voting and is now Deputy Chairman of NDP.

    Rogue? Who is really ROGUE? What is Hon. Turnbull's record? Mark has accomplishments, does Turnbull have any besides taking the trophy for biggest LIAR?

    Play back the tapes from when Hon. Turnbull was with PVIM and The Alliance, the things said about Hon. Penn and NDP. When John Cline speaks is he also speaking of his nephew, Hon. Turnbull and his rogue ways or people are only considered rogue when they dare to challenge the mighty Clines? The same way Hon. Turnbull could not get PVIM moving or Alliance moving, is the same way NDP will be dead next election.
  • resident (24/04/2026, 10:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    People, look, and rationalize for yourself. Let Mark go! If he was about the country and people he would be interested in serving in whatever capacity. He just wanted to be premier. I am so sick of these so called politicians. Where are the Lavity Stoutts, TB Lettsomes, and those calibre of leaders that were there in the 80's, 90's. People have become selfish and self serving. Gosh.


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