(L-R) Hon Ronnie V. Skelton (AL), Bishop John I. Cline, and Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) on the relaunched NDP Radio on May 5, 2025. Photo: Facebook

The National Democratic Party (NDP) was relaunched in March 2025, with the dissolving of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM). Photo: Facebook

That is the thinking behind the reunification of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM). 

This was revealed by Former Opposition Leader and NDP member Hon Ronnie V. Skelton (AL) on Monday, May 5, 2025, during the first show of the relaunched NDP Radio on ZBVI 780 AM. 

Hon Skelton, who led the PVIM before it was dissolved in March 2025, said the party under his leadership contested the past two general elections. 

According to him, the data shows that if the NDP and PVIM were to continue contesting the general elections in the Virgin Islands, splitting the votes of the electorate, the “possibility is there” to remain in the Opposition. 

NDP has a chance of forming next gov’t- Hon Skelton 

“After the last election in 2023…we had decided that we need[ed] to talk to each other. This [doesn’t] make any sense because when you look at the numbers and you join them together, the possibility is there that we can be the government.”

Hon Skelton said that together, they stand a better chance of winning seven or even eight seats in an election. 

“That is what’s driving the decision,” he stated. 

The former Opposition Leader said they are like-minded and share the same philosophy. 

This includes the country, caring for and helping the people of the Territory. “It’s the same, there is no philosophical [difference],” he said.

NDP Radio is back

Meanwhile, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) said they are excited to be back with NDP Radio. 

Through the programme, he said they will engage the populace on the issues affecting them, as well as share their plans on a way forward and solutions to moving the country forward. 

“So we’re excited for this opportunity.”

Hon Skelton added that NDP Radio will also be used to let the public “know exactly what is happening as it relates to the NDP and its reunification with the PVIM”. 

He stated that critical times are being faced right now in the Virgin Islands, and leadership that can take the country to the next level is needed. 

This leadership must include people who are equipped and willing to work together to accomplish the task and not for “self-gratification”. 

The first show was hosted by Bishop John I. Cline.

See link to related article:

‘All you have done again is splinter the splinter’- Skelton-Cline to ‘Alliance’