ROAD TOWN, Tortola — The National Democratic Party (NDP) has expanded its slate of candidates for the next General Election, officially ratifying Aaron F. Parillon to contest the Third Electoral District and Perline Scatliffe-Leonard for the Seventh Electoral District.
The ratifications were approved during the party’s National Executive Meeting on July 9 and represent the latest step in the NDP’s effort to rebuild after its defeat in the 2023 General Election.
With the addition of Parillon and Scatliffe-Leonard, the opposition party continues assembling what it says is a team capable of returning the NDP to government in 2027.
The next General Election is expected to be one of the most significant in recent history, with voters likely to weigh issues including constitutional reform, implementation of the Commission of Inquiry recommendations, the cost of living, economic diversification, public infrastructure, healthcare, housing and government accountability.
Party Looks to Rebuild
The NDP, which governed the Virgin Islands from 2011 to 2019, has been gradually rebuilding its political machinery following consecutive election defeats.
Party Chairman and Opposition Leader Marlon Penn said each new candidate strengthens the party’s preparations to offer voters an alternative government.
“Every candidate we ratify strengthens our readiness to serve as the next Government of the Virgin Islands,” Penn said.
He described both candidates as respected community leaders who would add experience and integrity to the party’s growing team.
“The momentum behind the National Democratic Party continues to strengthen because people are looking for leadership that listens, leads and delivers,” Penn said.
The chairman added that the party intends to introduce additional candidates over the coming months as it works toward presenting a full slate ahead of the election.
Parillon to Contest District Three
Aaron Parillon will carry the NDP’s banner in the Third Electoral District.
Speaking following his ratification, Parillon said he intends to focus on practical leadership, youth development, economic opportunities and support for local businesses.
He also referenced the legacy of the late Chief Minister Lavity Stoutt, whose vision for education and leadership development helped shape modern Virgin Islands politics.
“I am inspired by the vision of the late Honourable Lavity Stoutt, who believed that the people of the Virgin Islands should be educated and prepared to assume the leadership roles our country needs,” Parillon said.
He pledged to work toward expanding opportunities for young people while advocating for residents throughout District Three.
Veteran Community Advocate Selected for District Seven
Meanwhile, veteran community advocate Perline Scatliffe-Leonard has been selected to contest the Seventh Electoral District.
Scatliffe-Leonard said she brings more than four decades of community service and advocacy to the race and intends to focus on accountability, compassion and practical representation.
“District Seven deserves leadership grounded in experience, accountability, compassion and a determination to deliver results,” she said.
She also said she looks forward to working alongside her fellow NDP candidates to strengthen communities and improve opportunities across the Territory.
A Competitive Political Landscape Emerging
The ratification of Parillon and Scatliffe-Leonard comes as political parties and independent candidates begin positioning themselves well ahead of the constitutionally due 2027 General Election.
Political activity has intensified, with businesswoman Cindy Rosan announcing an Independent At-Large candidacy, while both the governing Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) are also expected to continue unveiling candidates and refining their election platforms.
Political observers expect the coming months to see increased debate over the Territory’s economic direction, governance reforms, infrastructure investment, public services and the implementation of recommendations stemming from the Commission of Inquiry.
For the NDP, the latest ratifications signal an effort to project unity and readiness as it seeks to convince voters it is prepared to return to office after nearly a decade in opposition.
The party said residents of the Third and Seventh Electoral Districts will have opportunities to meet both candidates during upcoming community engagements as campaigning begins to gather momentum across the Territory.