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Hon Penn fears VI becoming 'Sodom & Gomorrah'

- raises concerns about progress of Fahie administration in passing controversial legislation
Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has raised concerns over the rate at which the Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) led Government is passing controversial laws, noting that he does not want the territory to become like the Biblical 'Sodom and Gomorrah'. Photo: VINO/File
Opposition member, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) during the debates had told the HoA that he too was afraid about what would come next to the House, 'Last week was gambling, this week is weed... week before was something else, maybe the closet coming, I don’t know.' Photo: VINO/File
Opposition member, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) during the debates had told the HoA that he too was afraid about what would come next to the House, 'Last week was gambling, this week is weed... week before was something else, maybe the closet coming, I don’t know.' Photo: VINO/File
Premier Andrew A. Fahie in his justification for bringing forward several controversial pieces of legislation had told the House that illegal activities such as gambling was already happening in the territory and the Government is making the illegal, legal to create new revenue streams.
Premier Andrew A. Fahie in his justification for bringing forward several controversial pieces of legislation had told the House that illegal activities such as gambling was already happening in the territory and the Government is making the illegal, legal to create new revenue streams.
DUFFS BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has raised concerns over the rate at which the Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) led Government is passing controversial laws, noting that he does not want the Territory to become like the Biblical 'Sodom and Gomorrah'.

Speaking at the June 26, 2020, House of Assembly sitting, Hon Penn said, "I hear the good minister [Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9)] when he was speaking... he said what a June to remember, he say we pass the gambling, we regularising the rum and the marijuana coming next."

Opposition Concerned 

"I thought he was joking, but the marijuana here... he was foreshadowing," Hon Penn told legislators during the debates of the bill known as the Cannabis Licensing Act, 2020, which is geared towards legalising cannabis for cultivation and medicinal use in the Territory.

Opposition Member, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), during the debates, had told the HoA that he too was afraid about what would come next to the House, “Last week was gambling, this week is weed... week before was something else, maybe the closet coming, I don’t know.”

According to Hon Penn, "I heard the member talked about the closet, I hope ain't the prostitution coming next either, cause June still here... I don't want us to become like the place that they talk about in the Bible."

Hon Penn continued, "I don't know about the Bible, something to do with some Sodom, I don't know, that's all I would say... let's be careful." 

No rushing of Cannabis Bill - Hon Penn 

Meanwhile, Premier Fahie in his justification for bringing forward several controversial pieces of legislation had told the House that illegal activities such as gambling were already happening in the Territory and the Government is only looking to making the illegal legal, to create new revenue streams 

While the bill was scheduled to have its second and third readings on the same evening of June 26, Hon Penn implored the Fahie administration to not rush the legislation, rather, go through it clause by clause, to do the bill justice.

"We cannot rush through a piece of legislation this important... I hope we don't be irresponsible and rush through this piece of legislation without giving it the due care it deserves," he said.

The bill is in committee stage of the House.

37 Responses to “Hon Penn fears VI becoming 'Sodom & Gomorrah' ”

  • wow (29/06/2020, 10:39) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Becoming?
  • good 2 great (29/06/2020, 10:46) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    Did the chief turned his back on the great god of the universe????
  • for the love of money (29/06/2020, 10:49) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
    DON'T GAIN THE WORLD AND LOSE YOUR SOUL ALL BECAUSE FOR THE SAKE OF MONEY
  • Norris Turnbull. (29/06/2020, 11:25) Like (19) Dislike (12) Reply
    Meanwhile, Premier Fahie in his justification for bringing forward several controversial pieces of legislation had told the House that illegal activities such as gambling were already happening in the Territory and the Government is only looking to making the illegal legal, to create new revenue streams.

    Where is the public input in these legislation?
    Does the public have any say in legiskation that will affect peoples lives?
    As bad as it is with lackadaisical law enforcement in the BVI, these things need to include the public's position and opinion. Seize the time.
  • pig (29/06/2020, 11:27) Like (25) Dislike (6) Reply
    Someone tell the Penn that at least the premier is making new laws to regulate. At least the premier not doing things illegally like the cockfights in Josiah Bay that them man so regularly enjoy right “Hon” Pen. Stay woke with these type conman or else you would think them saint.
    • FYI (29/06/2020, 15:21) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      cockfighting happens in the 6th, 7th and 9th and those are vip districts
      • Cockfighting? (29/06/2020, 17:05) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
        What’s the deal with THAT?
        It’s 2020 for GOD’s sake.

        Time to stop things like cockfighting, dogfighting,
  • I am afraid (29/06/2020, 11:47) Like (34) Dislike (12) Reply
    The BVI will become a criminal enterprise
  • korrupshun (29/06/2020, 11:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Birds of a feather will flock together
  • ReX FeRal (29/06/2020, 12:12) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply

    when sumrf had them two an** men in his government he was not talking that

    • Real Talk (29/06/2020, 22:45) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
      when m...n was buying out the young boys with our taxpaying money what was that......
  • Peaches (29/06/2020, 12:22) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply

    Christians, we need to arise and pray for our country, our leaders have done that which is not right and pleasing on to us. We have to claim the promises of 2nd Chronicles 7:14: 'IF MY PLEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES AND PRAY, THEN I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SINS AND HEAL THEIR LAND."

    Hon. Penn, you need to read your Bible, you probably heard that scripture but have not taken the time to open up the scriptures.

  • Ghost (29/06/2020, 12:31) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ good to great.. when you write the name God, please capitalize His Name for He’s More than Worthy of that Honor.. I agree with Norris Turnbull, some Of these Pending legislation Need to be put before the people; then again some decisions are made without the input of others.. Hon Penn continued, "I don't know about the Bible, something to do with some Sodom- Shame on you lol.. I pray we don’t end up like that city for our BVI will not stand.. Why we need to pray wisdom for our leaders to make the Best decisions for our country..
  • foreigner (29/06/2020, 12:44) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Becoming you said? Are you sleeping also? You're a hour late and a quarter short.
    May God help us ALL.
  • wow (29/06/2020, 13:21) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    Cock fight king talking? That’s why we can’t trust people like penn stop acting like saints
  • tzrtrzrzr (29/06/2020, 13:24) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    He should just shut up
  • Intro (29/06/2020, 14:48) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    How much money has he made from cockfighting? Asking for a friend who lost to smurf boy.
  • um (29/06/2020, 14:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If the people of the virgin islands think they any different from the leaders then they are mistakened. Yall dont have to wait 4 years to deal out blows. Give dem hell......
  • GTFOH (29/06/2020, 15:13) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
    I'm officially convinced that Marlon just tries to oppose the government at any cost. At a media conference in mid 2018, then Premier, Dr Smith stated that they are reviewing the laws and look at the possible benefits of medical marijuana. The NDP's choice as Premier, Myron mentioned several times about the decriminalization of marijuana. Note that VIP only legalizing the use for medical purposes and you must be licenced. In the 2017 budget debate Marlon said boldly that he wants marijuana decriminalized. Even in NDP's 2019 manifesto on Page 20 to be exact they spoke about reviewing and doing study on cultivating and marketing cannabis for medicinal purposes. On page 37, they clearly mention introduce legislation to decriminalize cannabis possession for amounts under 7 grams. Do he not know that cannabis is marijuana or is he just being a hypocrite and an opposer. Myron also stated in 2017 that we need to have a discussion on legalizing gambling especially parimutuel betting and that we were losing to PR and USVI lottery while we could do the same here. He said we cant just sit down and do nothing about it. Those were the words of the man Marlon endorsed to be our Premier now he talking like gambling and marijuana are the biggest evils. Politics really does change people.
    • @GTFOH (29/06/2020, 15:28) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply

      I think Marlon thinks more money in cockfighting than marijuana. He prefer the c****s why he fussing.

    • GRACIAS (30/06/2020, 09:25) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Took the words right out my mouth.....nonsense !!
  • well sah ree (29/06/2020, 15:17) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    so instead of enforcing the law we legalizing ganja instead
  • smuggler's blues (29/06/2020, 15:18) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Mo dutty money
  • Keen (29/06/2020, 15:25) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
    I listened to him well and truth be told he was spot on. This time I give him an A+
    • Mmh (29/06/2020, 20:57) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      yes he raised the right points but the other side and the people would benefit from re-watching his part without looking at it as an attack.
  • public (29/06/2020, 16:12) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    It appears we the public has no say in our own country. Communities are suffering on some serious issues affecting our lives. More public input is needed on some of these issues. Dont race to put laws on the books with out the entire territory been involved. Yes I understand that previous governments blundered in many ways but please slow down. Less we reap what we sow in 4 years. A warning to the wise take heed
  • tretretrete (29/06/2020, 16:33) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Speak your heart Hon Penn! God hears you. He alone will judge you. Nevermind who disagrees with you!
  • foxy (29/06/2020, 16:41) Like (5) Dislike (8) Reply
    Smurf doing his job I only wish the vip will do theirs
  • Understand (29/06/2020, 16:59) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well well well......the legalizing of mCannabis is not for street use as we see it happening on every street corner.....it is for medical use....by prescription only you can still be prosecuted for smoking on the corner......and I'm quite sure that using it medically means you will he behind close doors.....also there is no where in the bible about gambling.....every business opportunity is a gamble.....you invest your money in hope of gaining a profit from your investment.......what was wrong with gambling before was it was illegal in the territory so that makes it wrong in God's Eyes...but if it legal then nothing is wrong with it...it is so shocking when we try to judge and live according to the bible on some principals and forget the others like fornication..adultery....blasphemy just to name a few...
  • Stepson (29/06/2020, 17:51) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    I kinda agree with something you said, but there is something in the bible that went on with gambling. All the tables were over turned and the gamblers were chased out.
  • Turn (29/06/2020, 19:09) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    @ PEACHES. TURN to that scripture again. See what you see the most powerful part in this matter is missing. That's why he talking about the bible thing.
    Legalization of any thing is not the issue. The real issue is getting more input from the public on these matters. It would them to make better decisions and judgments on how to word these laws. I guess it does not matter just put it in place we would have something to guide us. That's nothing and our people be put in jail for some long number of years. If found with a joint or less. You know what just free the people simple, and make sure they dont get drag before the court and sent to prison over a small amount. Looking carefully at the wordings is important. I'm not saying dont legalize I'm saying let's do it right.
  • Really (29/06/2020, 20:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He said he is for decriminalization and wants the benefits of this initiative to go to the people. The people need to be able to grow their own to a limit.

    politicians need to be careful cause the news will run with anything and people believe everything without looking in to it.
  • Jaigon (29/06/2020, 22:13) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Marlon you behind time, if God was like man this place would have already surpassed Sodom and Gomorrah. With all them men bulling other men round here, this place should have already been destroyed. Remember that was the same thing the people of Sodom and Gomorrah were doing. But God will launch his attack in due course. These laws are nothing compared to all the secrets been held about all the unsolved murders in this country, that is what the God fearing people should be concerned about. All the hatred against people from the islands, this is what the politicians should be speaking out against. When the UK pushed the bulling laws in our face, where was Marlon, that is what he should be speaking out against.
  • lmao (29/06/2020, 23:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anyone who gets a kick out of watching and betting on two roosters fight each other to the death is a sick person. Sodom and Gomorrah he said?
  • facts (01/07/2020, 01:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    You don't have enough women here and the ones we have belongs to everyone !!! Something is terribly wrong for atleast the past 20yrs can't find none and the ppl head so messed up if they see you with a female from elsewhere everybody panic and want talk to her an check her!!!! stupid ppl


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