Progressive Virgin Islands Movement

The Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) is a political party in the British Virgin Islands.[1] It is presently led by Ronnie Skelton.

Progressive Virgin Islands Movement
LeaderRonnie Skelton
Founded2018
Split fromNational Democratic Party
House of Assembly
3 / 13

Although the party uses the word 'progressive' in its name, this is generally taken as a reflection of a desire for 'progress' in terms of the Territory's development rather than an ideological attachment to traditional socially progressive politics.

Founding

The party was founded in 2018 following an acrimonious split in the ruling National Democratic Party.[2] The then-Premier, Orlando Smith, indicated that he would retire from politics at the next election.[3] This created a leadership contest, and the two main candidates were Myron Walwyn and Ronnie Skelton. Walwyn won,[4] and thereafter Skelton resigned to form his own party.[2][5]

Electoral history

The party contested the 2019 British Virgin Islands general election, but only won a single seat ("Mitch" Turnbull in District 2). Although Skelton failed to win election to the House, he remained leader of the party, although Turbull represented it in the House.

Ahead of the 2023 British Virgin Islands general election the party doubled the number of representatives it had in the house when Junior Minister Shereen Flax-Charles "crossed the floor" to join the PVIM.[6] Ms Flax-Charles was unsuccessful in her re-election bid, but three PVIM candidates were elected, including incumbent Mitch Turnbull and party leader Ronnie Skelton.[7]

House of Assembly elections
Election Leader Votes % Seats +/– Position Status
2019 Ronnie Skelton 1,188 12.31%
1 / 13
 Increase 1 Increase 3rd Opposition
2023 1,546 16.86%
3 / 13
 Increase 2 Increase 2nd Opposition

References
  1. "Political Parties in the British Virgin Islands". Caribbean Elections. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  2. "Facts about the so-called Skelton political party". BVI News. 13 November 2018.
  3. "Premier not seeking re-election as NDP leader". BVI News. 19 June 2018.
  4. "Walwyn elected as NDP leader, Penn new party VP". BVI News. 23 June 2018.
  5. "Skelton Begins Recruiting For New Party". BVI Platinum. 2 October 2018.
  6. "Shereen Flax-Charles goes blue! Lawmaker joins PVIM". BVI News. 24 February 2023.
  7. "FINAL ELECTION RESULTS: No clear winner! Coalition likely". BVI News. 24 April 2023.
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