TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Jun. 25, CMC – Delegates from the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP), on the weekend selected Education Minister Myron Walwyn to lead the party following a recent announcement by Premier Dr. Orlando Smith that he would not be seeking re-election to that position.

In the internal election, that was closed to the public, Walwyn defeated Health Minister Ronnie Skelton who was also vying for the post. 

Walwyn’s reported running mate, Marlon Penn, was also successful in his campaign to become party Vice President.

Penn went up against first-term legislator Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull who is said to have been Skelton’s running mate.

According to reports, Deputy Premier Dr.  Kedrick Pickering, who was the party’s Vice President, did not seek re-election.

Meanwhile, the Premier has made it clear that while he did not seek re-election as NDP leader,    he will remain in representational politics .

During a press conference held last week, shortly after he announced his decision, Smith said  – ““I am not retiring, I am [just] not seeking the leadership.”

He told reporters that the time was ripe for a fresh NDP leader; noting he has been leading the party for the past 20 years.

Smith, 73, said he opted out of the race for NDP leader after ‘much thought and prayer’ and after discussions with family and colleagues.