NDP GATHERS MEMBERS AS FRACTURED OPPOSITION RESHAPES BVI POLITICS

The National Democratic Party will hold a general meeting on Thursday, October 8, at 6:00 p.m. at The Moorings Conference Room in Road Town, inviting members, supporters and new recruits to attend under the theme "Let's Build A Stronger Tomorrow, Together."

The gathering occurs as the opposition party works to stabilise itself following years of internal fracture. The NDP split in 2019 and spent much of 2026 pursuing reunification, welcoming back former opposition figures Myron Walwyn and Melvin Turnbull earlier in the year. An April leadership contest saw Marlon Penn defeat Mark Vanterpool for the chairmanship, with Turnbull becoming deputy chairman. Penn subsequently took on the role of Leader of the Opposition.

However, the leadership race did not resolve underlying tensions. Vanterpool, who had previously raised concerns about delegate selection, departed the NDP after his loss and established the People's Leadership Movement (PLM). The PLM is positioning itself as a separate political organisation and plans to field candidates for all 13 elected House of Assembly seats.

September brought additional departures. Coy Levons, who ran for the NDP in the Ninth District during 2023, left the party citing financial position, family responsibilities and personal circumstances. Questions have also surfaced regarding the political direction of Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn, though he has declined to elaborate.

Despite the upheaval, Penn has stated the NDP has completed its internal candidate selection. The party has publicly endorsed Aaron Parillon for the Third District and Perline Scatliffe-Leonard for the Seventh District. Former legislator Shereen Flax-Charles has indicated interest in pursuing an NDP At-Large nomination.

The electoral landscape has expanded well beyond the traditional two-party framework. Former Acting Permanent Secretary and educator Dr. Arlene Smith-Thompson announced in September she will run as an independent for an At-Large seat. Advocate and media company owner Rosemary 'Cindy' Rosan has similarly declared an independent At-Large candidacy. Businessman Lesmore Smith has announced an independent bid for the Fifth District.

Vanterpool has continued speaking publicly about his transition to the PLM. He has stated he respects the current NDP leadership but does not believe it offers the type of direction the Territory requires. He has also acknowledged resigning from his Fourth District seat shortly after winning it in 2019, calling it his greatest political regret, and committed not to repeat that decision.

The BVI's next general election is constitutionally due by mid-2027. The Office of the Supervisor of Elections has begun preparations, including recruitment of election officers. The preliminary 2026 voters list showed 16,553 registered voters.