Coy Levons Resigns From NDP Ahead of
High-ranking National Democratic Party member Coy Levons has officially resigned from the organization, citing personal and financial considerations ahead of the upcoming general elections. The Anegada native's departure creates a crucial vacancy in the Ninth District while adding to recent internal shifts within the main opposition party.
The main opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) has been dealt another setback ahead of the upcoming general elections, with high-ranking member and former candidate Coy Levons officially resigning from the organization over the weekend. Levons, an Anegadian who currently serves as the Director of Civil Aviation at the BVI Airports Authority, had been widely anticipated to mount another campaign for the Ninth District seat representing Virgin Gorda and Anegada.
During the 2023 general election, he contested the constituency under the NDP banner and narrowly missed victory against incumbent Vincent Wheatley by just 78 votes. It remains unclear whether he still plans to contest the upcoming election under another political banner or as an independent.
In a formal resignation letter submitted to party leadership, Levons explained that his decision was driven by personal and financial considerations rather than external political pressures. He stated that after carefully reviewing his current financial position, family responsibilities, and personal circumstances, he determined it was necessary to step away from the party at this stage.
Levons noted that the choice was not an easy one and expressed sincere gratitude for the opportunities, assistance, and encouragement he received from party members since entering the political arena. He added that he deeply values the relationships formed and experiences gained during his time with the NDP, while extending his best wishes to members on their journey to the House of Assembly.
Before entering political life, Levons spent well over a decade in senior aviation leadership across the Territory. He served as Duty Manager at the BVI Airports Authority from 2006 to 2010 and Director of Operations from 2010 to 2019, before transitioning to Managing Director in 2019.
He stepped down from that post in August 2019 and was later reappointed as Director of Civil Aviation in June 2024, a position he had also held briefly in 2021. Levons' departure comes against the backdrop of shifting dynamics within the opposition. Earlier this year, the NDP merged with the Ronnie Skelton-led Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM).
Following contested internal elections roughly five months ago, Marlon Penn was elected party chairman and later appointed Leader of the Opposition, while Second District Representative Melvin Turnbull was elected Deputy Chairman over Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn. The aftermath of those internal votes has seen noticeable fragmentation.
Former Fourth District Representative Mark Vanterpool resigned over concerns regarding the election process and subsequently launched the People's Leadership Movement (PLM). Meanwhile, Walwyn has been largely absent from party functions, and Turnbull has kept a relatively low profile on party broadcasts.
While Chairman Penn has publicly maintained that there is no power struggle, asserting that the NDP remains unified, focused on rebuilding, and fully prepared for general elections, Levons' resignation leaves a significant gap in District Nine that party executives will need to address quickly as campaigning intensifies.
Primary source: BVI News