Skelton-Cline Retracts Claim That Walwyn Tried
Political commentator Claude Skelton-Cline has retracted allegations that Sixth District Representative Hon. Myron Walwyn attempted to recruit Second District Representative Hon. Melvin Turnbull to the People's Leadership Movement (PLM). The retraction followed firm denials from both lawmakers, who dismissed claims of a secret meeting and leadership offer as completely false.
Political commentator Claude Skelton-Cline has formally retracted allegations that Sixth District Representative Hon. Walwyn attempted to recruit Second District Representative Hon. Melvin "Mitch" Turnbull to the newly formed People's Leadership Movement (PLM), admitting the claim was based on a misunderstanding from a source.
The controversy began during the October 6 broadcast of Honestly Speaking on ZBVI 780 AM. During the programme, Skelton-Cline alleged that Walwyn had held a private meeting with Turnbull to persuade him to leave the National Democratic Party (NDP) and cross over to the PLM together.
He claimed Turnbull was offered the position of deputy leader in the new movement but had rejected the overture out of hand. The allegations came at a sensitive time for the NDP, surfacing just ahead of a party meeting scheduled for October 8. The party has faced scrutiny over internal unity following former member Mark Vanterpool's departure to launch the PLM after losing the party leadership race to Marlon Penn, as well as the departure of former candidate Coy Levons.
Questions had also circulated around Walwyn, who returned to the NDP earlier this year but lost the deputy chairmanship contest to Turnbull in April. Both lawmakers moved swiftly and forcefully to reject Skelton-Cline's broadcast claims. Walwyn branded the allegations entirely false, categorically denied ever having such a discussion with Turnbull, and challenged the commentator to provide proof.
Walwyn voiced deep frustration over repeated political attacks and urged Skelton-Cline to uphold truth and integrity. Turnbull, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the NDP, also dismissed the claims during an appearance on NDP Radio. He stated unequivocally that no conversation about joining the PLM had ever occurred between himself and Walwyn.
Affirming his steadfast commitment to the NDP, Turnbull stated that he would not be drawn into political confusion and confirmed that both he and Walwyn remain active within the party. Following the unified pushback, Skelton-Cline issued a formal statement to correct the record. He acknowledged that his initial broadcast was based on inaccurate information from a source and that, upon review, he realized there was a grave misunderstanding regarding the facts.
Skelton-Cline confirmed that Walwyn did not meet with Turnbull regarding any PLM matter. He added that he takes full responsibility for the content shared on Honestly Speaking and remains committed to retracting errors to protect the integrity of his programme.
Primary source: VINO