Challenge to ‘fast track’ initiative not political’- Opposition Leader
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”
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?!!?!!!?
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.
That's why you need PERMISSION stay here
This is our home
You have yours
What is the problem?
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?