Skelton defends taking PVIM chairmanship from Turnbull
Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) Chairman, Ronnie Skelton has described the removal of Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull as Chairman of his political party as a necessary move for his return to the political fold.
Skelton lost re-election at the 2019 general elections under the PVIM banner after serving previously under the National Democratic Party (NDP) and subsequently exited the political stage.
Turnbull, who was also a previous NDP lawmaker, then became the Chairman of the party after being the only member of the PVIM to win elected office.
Speaking at a press conference during the launch of the PVIM’s campaign last Friday, February 24, Skelton said he commended young leaders around him and said his history shows that he tends to hand over things to young people.
Skelton also denied that his return as Chairman of the PVIM was an example of him not wanting to allow young leadership within his party.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I always put young people… I need them to help build the country. I am happy to be at home, but the people are calling for some experience and they feel that I have that level of experience in order to assist this country out of the problems that it is presently in. That’s why I’m here, nothing else,” Skelton said.
Pressed further about why he was not pushing a youth agenda and only appeared to be seeking power through his party, Skelton said that was only the opinion of the reporter asking him the questions.
Meanwhile, Turnbull said the PVIM group and its supporters decided that the best person to lead the movement and the party at this time was Skelton.
Turnbull said he then became the Deputy Chairman after that decision was made. He added that the party will be moving forward on the issues to bring solutions to the territory.
Turnbull, who was also a previous NDP lawmaker, then became the Chairman of the party after being the only member of the PVIM to win elected office.
Speaking at a press conference during the launch of the PVIM’s campaign last Friday, February 24, Skelton said he commended young leaders around him and said his history shows that he tends to hand over things to young people.
Skelton also denied that his return as Chairman of the PVIM was an example of him not wanting to allow young leadership within his party.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I always put young people… I need them to help build the country. I am happy to be at home, but the people are calling for some experience and they feel that I have that level of experience in order to assist this country out of the problems that it is presently in. That’s why I’m here, nothing else,” Skelton said.
Pressed further about why he was not pushing a youth agenda and only appeared to be seeking power through his party, Skelton said that was only the opinion of the reporter asking him the questions.
Meanwhile, Turnbull said the PVIM group and its supporters decided that the best person to lead the movement and the party at this time was Skelton.
Turnbull said he then became the Deputy Chairman after that decision was made. He added that the party will be moving forward on the issues to bring solutions to the territory.
