PVIM boss Ronnie W. Skelton to be Opposition Leader
Sources in the breakaway group Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) have told our news centre that its Chairman Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) is expected to be sworn-in as the Leader of the Opposition in the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA).
Hon Skelton’s PVIM has a majority in the 6-Member Opposition, holding 3 seats, while the National Democratic Party (NDP) has 2 seats and Progressives United 1.
It is unclear when the swearing-in of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition will take place.
Skelton in Opposition after negotiations for coalition gov’t failed!
The General Election of April 24, 2023, resulted in a stalemate, after no party was able to get the required majority of 7 seats to form the government.
The Virgin Islands Party (VIP) won the most seats, 6, and it was expected that the other parties would form a coalition to oust the VIP from office.
Our news centre was informed that the parties; however, could not come to an agreement as to who would lead the coalition government and even who would sit as ministers.
The new Virgin Islands Government, with
Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) as Premier and Honourable
Lorna G. Smith, OBE as Deputy Premier and a Ministerial portfolio, was
sworn in Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Government House. Lorna moves to VIP’s corner!
In a move that caught many off guard; however, former First Lady and Member of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Honourable Lorna G. Smith OBE made the decision to align herself with the VIP to form the next government.
The new Government, with Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) as Premier and Hon Smith as Deputy Premier and a Minister portfolio, was sworn in Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Government House.
