ROAD TOWN, Tortola — The National Democratic Party (NDP) has issued a public appeal for unity after recent comments by current and former members brought internal party differences into the public spotlight, saying its focus remains on preparing to challenge for government in the next General Election.
In a statement released Thursday, the opposition party acknowledged the recent public discussion surrounding its leadership but said it was time to move beyond internal disputes and concentrate on the issues affecting the people of the Virgin Islands.
The statement comes amid ongoing speculation about divisions within the party following its internal elections earlier this year, which saw Opposition Leader Marlon Penn elected as party chairman. While the NDP did not identify specific individuals or controversies, the release appears aimed at drawing a line under weeks of public commentary over the party’s internal affairs.
“The democratic process has concluded, and the Party respects the will of its membership,” the statement said.
The NDP stressed that differing opinions are inevitable within any democratic organisation but argued that disagreements should be addressed through the party’s established internal processes rather than through public exchanges.
Refocusing on National Issues
The party said the Virgin Islands faces far more pressing concerns than political infighting, pointing to the rising cost of living, persistent water shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, economic uncertainty and consumer protection as issues requiring immediate attention.
“The people of the Virgin Islands expect leadership that is focused on solutions, not personalities,” the statement said.
The NDP added that, as it continues ratifying candidates ahead of the 2027 General Election, maintaining party unity will be essential to presenting what it described as “a credible and united alternative government.”
Building Election Momentum
The appeal comes as the NDP continues expanding its slate of candidates, having recently ratified Aaron Parillon for the Third Electoral District and Perline Scatliffe-Leonard for the Seventh District.
The party has indicated that additional candidates will be announced in the coming months as it builds toward the next election.
Political observers note that both the NDP and governing Virgin Islands Party (VIP), along with independent candidates, have begun positioning themselves well ahead of the next general election, with campaigning expected to intensify over the coming year.
Call for Collective Responsibility
In its statement, the NDP called on its members, elected representatives, supporters and party officers to respect the outcome of its internal elections and work collectively toward returning the party to government.
It argued that successful political organisations are defined not by the absence of disagreement but by their ability to move beyond internal differences in pursuit of shared goals.
“This moment is not about any one individual,” the statement said.
“It is about the people of the Virgin Islands.”
The party concluded by reaffirming its confidence in Penn’s leadership and its broader vision for the Territory, saying it would continue addressing internal matters through the appropriate party channels while keeping its public focus on governance, accountability and the issues affecting residents.
The statement signals the NDP’s effort to project stability and cohesion as political activity increases across the Territory ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 General Election.