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Challenge to ‘fast track’ initiative not political’- Opposition Leader

- Accuses Premier Fahie of taking a dictatorial approach to the issue of immigration in the VI
Opposition Leader Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) has accused Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) of taking a dictatorial approach to the issue of immigration in the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: VINO
Persons in attendance at a meeting called by the Members of the Opposition at the Long Look/East End Community Centre last night May 30, 2019. Photo: VINO
Persons in attendance at a meeting called by the Members of the Opposition at the Long Look/East End Community Centre last night May 30, 2019. Photo: VINO
Members of the Opposition say they are still trying to understand the rationale behind the 'Clear path to regularisation: Residency and Belonger Status Programme' initiated by Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and will continue to ‘challenge’ it. Photo: VINO/File
Members of the Opposition say they are still trying to understand the rationale behind the 'Clear path to regularisation: Residency and Belonger Status Programme' initiated by Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and will continue to ‘challenge’ it. Photo: VINO/File
EAST END, Tortola, VI- Opposition Leader, Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) has made it known that he, along with the other Members of the Opposition, are still trying to understand the rationale behind the 'Clear path to regularisation: Residency and Belonger Status Programme' initiated by Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and will continue to “challenge” it.

Honourable Penn was speaking at a meeting called by the Members of the Opposition at the Long Look/East End Community Centre last night May 30, 2019.

The Opposition Leader also noted that the meeting was not about politics, but about being a voice for the people on issues that matter to Virgin Islanders.

“We are representing collectively. We have three political parties representing here. It is not about politics, it is about doing right for the people of this territory. It is about making sure that we have a proper discourse on issues that confront the people of this territory. This is not a one-time thing.”

The other Opposition Members represented were Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2); Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6) and Hon Julian Fraser, RA (R3).

Publication declaration

Honourable Penn also told those in attendance as well those listening via live stream, that he made a public declaration to the Premier when he became the Leader of the Opposition, “that I would work with him if he is doing things that are in the best interest of the people of this territory and this country.

“If he is going contrary, he is going to get challenged. Now we are committed to challenging him. The reality is that this piece of legislation [Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2019] that we mentioned here tonight, does not change anything in terms of what the Premier is trying to do. We are yet to understand the rationale for it. We cannot support something we don’t have an understanding of,” he said.

The Opposition Leader, who has been criticised for not being able to address the long-standing issues of sewage in his Eighth District and staying in silence when monies intended for the East End Sewerage Project was instead diverted to the Tortola Pier Park Project, said as legislators, their job is to enact legislation but, “We need to be fully au fait of the legislation before we go into the House of Assembly to make decisions on your behalf.”

Dictatorship

Hon Penn also accused the Premier of taking a dictatorship approach to the issue of immigration.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Members are now calling for a protest against the 2nd and 3rd readings of the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act 2019, at the June 3, 2019, sitting of the House of Assembly (HoA).

The amendment to the Act is seen as critical for the 'Clear path to regularisation: Residency and Belonger Status Programme' to become active.

15 Responses to “Challenge to ‘fast track’ initiative not political’- Opposition Leader”

  • TOTAL (31/05/2019, 17:41) Like (34) Dislike (17) Reply
    Marlon Penn
    Julian Fraser
    Melvin Mitch Turnbull
    Alvera Maduro Caines
    Claudia Hodge
    Cindy Rosan Jones

    Why so much hatred to the Caribbean brothers and sisters? Why?????!?!!! Why?!!?!!!?
    • Local (31/05/2019, 20:18) Like (17) Dislike (12) Reply
      Someone have to look out for the country..Doesnt your Premier lòok out for your country?.Its ridiculous for our Premier to make such drastic decisions .Remember Sir/Madam the BVI is a small territory.
    • @Total (31/05/2019, 20:52) Like (22) Dislike (8) Reply
      It’s not about them hating on expats. They are seeking answers which the Premier has failed to answer. I am an expat and I’m asking the questions and have the same concerns as they do. You all fully well know it’s not about hate you all just too malicious. It’s the people them country and they have a right to ask questions. I’m sure if it was happening in your country you would react the same. Just chill with the foolishness.
    • No Hate (31/05/2019, 21:11) Like (16) Dislike (12) Reply
      There is no hate. Only Reason.
      We have allowed you to come here to make a better life for yourself.
      We owe you nothing.
      This is our home.
      You have yours. What is the problem.
  • Outlaw (31/05/2019, 18:18) Like (12) Dislike (11) Reply
    Isn’t Cindy Rosan-Jones a half baked VIslander. Isn’t her father from some where down the islands. She might very well born in the US as well.
    • doesnt matter (31/05/2019, 21:14) Like (9) Dislike (11) Reply
      This is where her history is. This is her generational home. Where is yours?
      • Outlaw (01/06/2019, 06:06) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
        @doesn't matter. The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof. Right here is mine also, so don’t get to hyperventilate. Go take a seat.
        • @Outlaw (01/06/2019, 08:28) Like (6) Dislike (13) Reply
          No my friend. You have no rights here.
          That's why you need PERMISSION stay here
          This is our home
          You have yours
          What is the problem?


        • @Outlaw (01/06/2019, 11:31) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
          Your comment @ 18:18 appears to be from the Devil, it’s malicious. Then your next comment seems to be speaking from the Bible. What does that say about you, Outlaw?
        • Local (01/06/2019, 15:37) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
          Take a sit and let us talk this is our homeland. ..and by the way dont get scriptual with me now.
  • Quiet Warrior (31/05/2019, 19:58) Like (11) Dislike (7) Reply
    Agree with the Hon Penn that the Opposition, along with many citizens, concern about the supersonic speed for the immigration amendment does not say they are anti-expat. It is the Premier’s attitude and approach that thrusted the BVI into this For and Against binary choice. The approach used was of a dictatorial bent. Immigration is an important issue with long-term consequences.

    Consequently, the HOA should take the time to define, discuss, debate, decide.....etc this critical issue. Jamming the 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings into one session of the HOA did the issue, the HOA members, people and territory a disservice. The issue should be debated in 3 separate sessions. This is not an emergency and treated it as an emergency is blurring line of what an emergency is.

    Thus, the unanswered question is what is driving the urgency? That question has not been satisfactorily communicated. Until it is satisfactorily answered, the WHY question will linger and be a head scratching discussion in the work place, at the water cooler, at church, at the ball game, at the domino table, on the ferry, at the dinner table, at the bar......etc.

    The dictatorial handling of this issue is surprising and disappointing. The VIP in Opposition was frequently accusing the NDP of unnecessary secrecy. Now, it is exhibiting the same tendencies. The Premier needs to cast pride aside, pull the 2nd and 3rd readings, actively listen to residents and debate the issue. No more sham passive listening. The question is still why the supersonic speed rush?
  • @Quiet Warrior (01/06/2019, 09:45) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    Where to begin. Start with the Pier Park cost overrun. No leh we do BVI Airways. No how about giving away land to all you family. Want talk secrecy. Is this NDP biggest fight. Delaying people getting little paper. Stir up confusion. Pick another fight fools.
    • Strupps (01/06/2019, 10:18) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
      We don't owe you "a little paper" or anything else. You have 100% rights in your home country. We have no claims there. Don't get it twisted.
  • myron (01/06/2019, 16:10) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    All you just mad all you lose the election. The aftershock is real dawg. Wonder how long these tantrum will last.
  • Rasta Live (01/06/2019, 18:57) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    one set of politicians gave away our tax money and now one set of politicians wants to give away the country. This new movement by current government is purely for political rewards. Bad Babylonian leadership is causing pure confusion in our territory. The 13 politicians usually use their political portfolios to their own personal benefit


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