Former Director of the Water and Sewerage Department (WSD) Perline Scatliffe-Leonard is preparing for another run in the Seventh District.
This time, she seeks to join the National Democratic Party (NDP) and unseat incumbent representative Hon. Dr Natalio Wheatley, Premier and Minister of Finance.
Scatliffe-Leonard contested the 2023 General Elections as an independent candidate, losing to Wheatley.
In an interview with BVI Platinum News, Scatliffe-Leonard said she now believes contesting under a political party will strengthen her ability to deliver results for the district.
“Competing as an independent in 2023 showed both the demand for change and the practical limits of delivering projects and holding government accountable without a party structure,” she stated.
She confirmed that she has submitted herself to the NDP’s nomination and selection process, citing the party’s focus on long-term planning and sustainable development.
Since the last election, Scatliffe-Leonard said she has remained active in District 7 through community engagement and direct outreach, rejecting suggestions that she disappeared after the polls.
“Based on what residents have said to me, I am preparing to contest the next General Elections with a team committed to consistent, year-round representation for District 7," she stated.
Scatliffe-Leonard argued that joining a party structure would allow key district priorities to be addressed through national policy and budgeting rather than isolated efforts.
“The priorities residents raise consistently are: strengthening support systems for seniors and families, creating real opportunities for our youths, working alongside the unemployed to equip them with skills for employment, supporting small business growth, and ensuring infrastructure maintenance and upgrades are planned and executed with long-term growth in mind,” she told BVI Platinum News.
“With a party structure, these can be advanced through policy and budgeting at the national level rather than piecemeal.”
The former public servant, who spent 33 years in government, emphasised that her decision to seek office again under the NDP is rooted in delivering “consistent representation and real results” for District 7.
“When I ran as an independent in 2023, my position was about giving District 7 a voice. What has changed is the opportunity to deliver on those same priorities under the leadership of the National Democratic Party,” she emphasized.
“The goal remains the same,” she stated. “Consistent representation and real results for District 7.”
This time, she seeks to join the National Democratic Party (NDP) and unseat incumbent representative Hon. Dr Natalio Wheatley, Premier and Minister of Finance.
Scatliffe-Leonard contested the 2023 General Elections as an independent candidate, losing to Wheatley.
In an interview with BVI Platinum News, Scatliffe-Leonard said she now believes contesting under a political party will strengthen her ability to deliver results for the district.
“Competing as an independent in 2023 showed both the demand for change and the practical limits of delivering projects and holding government accountable without a party structure,” she stated.
She confirmed that she has submitted herself to the NDP’s nomination and selection process, citing the party’s focus on long-term planning and sustainable development.
Since the last election, Scatliffe-Leonard said she has remained active in District 7 through community engagement and direct outreach, rejecting suggestions that she disappeared after the polls.
“Based on what residents have said to me, I am preparing to contest the next General Elections with a team committed to consistent, year-round representation for District 7," she stated.
Scatliffe-Leonard argued that joining a party structure would allow key district priorities to be addressed through national policy and budgeting rather than isolated efforts.
“The priorities residents raise consistently are: strengthening support systems for seniors and families, creating real opportunities for our youths, working alongside the unemployed to equip them with skills for employment, supporting small business growth, and ensuring infrastructure maintenance and upgrades are planned and executed with long-term growth in mind,” she told BVI Platinum News.
“With a party structure, these can be advanced through policy and budgeting at the national level rather than piecemeal.”
The former public servant, who spent 33 years in government, emphasised that her decision to seek office again under the NDP is rooted in delivering “consistent representation and real results” for District 7.
“When I ran as an independent in 2023, my position was about giving District 7 a voice. What has changed is the opportunity to deliver on those same priorities under the leadership of the National Democratic Party,” she emphasized.
“The goal remains the same,” she stated. “Consistent representation and real results for District 7.”
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The headline is misleading. As she stated she has to go through the process of the NDP as per their Constitution. She has to be nominated, and votes must be cast at a convention
Put God above all, campaign with a clean heart and he will lead you to victory Perline!!
This development doesn’t fundamentally alter the landscape just yet. It’s worth remembering that in the last election, although she ran as an independent, both the NDP and the PVIM quietly lined up behind her candidacy, and Hon. Wheatley was still returned as the representative.
Given that history, simply joining a party and particularly one navigating its own internal challenges may not, on its own, shift the dynamics in District 7. Building broader confidence will likely require more than a change of political home.
That said, the situation is evolving, and it will be interesting to see how the process unfolds in the months ahead.
With all respect, you and the present District 7 representative are one and the same. Your lack of character, morals, and ability to execute has shined brighter than the pretense of your intent. The election hasn't even approached, and the display of your underhanded tactics leaves me gobsmacked. This is not what we need in a district representative; we, the people, are asking you to GO SIT DOWN.