Opposition legislator and member of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), has said political parties breaking up is not new; however, he stated that the reunited NDP realised its split was causing division in the country. Photo: Facebook

Chairman of the NDP, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) said what is most important following the party’s split and reunification is that members decided to come back together. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Businessman Mark H. Vanterpool, who lost the race for Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP) to Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), has since announced the formation of the People's Leadership Movement. Photo: VINO

The party held its first radio show, NDP Radio, since its reunification and internal elections, on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, May 18, 2026, during which party members present took calls live on air. 

“The breakup of people in political parties is not a new thing, and it will happen again,” he said. According to Hon Skelton, it is believed that a collection of people who make up a political party should be focused on the development of its country and people, but things begin to go bad when ideas differ too much. 

“There’s no doubt in my mind that those people who have those ideas will leave the party, and they will go someplace else where they would feel that those ideas and visions are intact and where they want to be.”

Hon Skelton, who initially broke away from the NDP to form the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM), added that on the flip side, there is also the possibility of a political party realising what is happening upon the departure of members and deciding to change their ways and get back to their foundation and philosophies. 

“I think that is what’s happening to the NDP at this point in time. I think we are recognising that we are not splitting our party, splitting the NDP, but splitting the people and the country also. So at some point in time, those of us who committed to a cause in the development of the country and its people will get back together to make sure that happens.”

The voice of the people was most important- Hon Penn

Chairman of the NDP, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) said what is most important following the party’s split and reunification is that members decided to come back together. 

“In our decision to come back together, we understood what is most important, which is the voice of the people who are saying, ‘We need you together, we need you united, we need you to understand that your strength is in your united front as the National Democratic Party’.”

Hon Penn said he is hoping and believing that the NDP can move on and earn the trust of the people of the Virgin Islands, through its humility, accountability, openness and hard work, and is able to show it through works, actions and representation of the people. 

In doing so, he said, NDP hopes to show the people “we are competent, we are able to lead and do the things that are necessary to bring the Virgin Islands to where it needs to be”.

Since the NDP's international elections, one member has already bolted and formed his own movement. Businessman Mark H. Vanterpool, who lost the race for Chairman of the NDP to Hon Penn, has since announced the formation of the People's Leadership Movement.