Penn and Walwyn Silent as Questions Mount
National Democratic Party Chairman Marlon Penn and Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn have both declined to comment on growing questions surrounding the party's stability. The renewed scrutiny follows the resignation of former candidate Coy Levons and persistent speculation regarding party cohesion ahead of the 2027 general election.
Questions continue to mount across the Virgin Islands over the stability and future direction of the National Democratic Party (NDP), as both party Chairman Marlon Penn and Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn maintain silence regarding recent internal developments. When contacted by BVI Platinum News to address the emerging uncertainties, Opposition Leader Penn declined to elaborate, stating, "At this time, I have no comment on either matter." Penn's response follows the recent resignation of former Ninth District candidate Coy Levons, who reportedly cited family responsibilities for his departure.
Levons narrowly missed securing the Ninth District seat in the 2023 general election, losing to incumbent Vincent Wheatley by 78 votes. The leadership's silence coincides with ongoing speculation regarding Walwyn's standing within the organisation. When approached recently about his alignment, Walwyn offered a similar brief response: "No comment." The former party chairman returned to the NDP fold earlier this year as part of a broader unification effort following years of division.
However, internal elections in April shifted dynamics when Walwyn was defeated by Second District Representative Melvin "Mitch" Turnbull for the post of deputy chairman in a 64 to 57 vote. The April internal elections also saw Penn secure the chairmanship over former Fourth District Representative Mark Vanterpool.
That outcome prompted immediate political fallout, with Vanterpool leaving the NDP to form the People’s Leadership Movement (PLM). While Walwyn remained in the party, he has maintained a notably low profile in broader executive affairs. Observers have further noted that his recent constituency initiatives and outreach in the Sixth District have lacked visible NDP branding, fueling further questions about his long-term plans.
Political commentator Claude Skelton Cline has openly questioned the NDP's trajectory under Penn, suggesting the party will struggle in the next general election, which is constitutionally due by mid-July 2027. Skelton Cline claimed the party missed an opportunity by not uniting around figures like At-Large Representative Ronnie Skelton while keeping Walwyn and Vanterpool centrally involved, alleging the leadership appears more focused on internal power dynamics than broader national viability.
The NDP previously pushed back against similar criticisms in July, maintaining that the leadership election was settled democratically and declaring full confidence in Penn, its team, and its vision to govern the Virgin Islands. The party urged members and supporters to avoid public exchanges that could deepen divisions and instead focus on presenting a united alternative for the Territory.
Primary source: BVI Platinum