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Hon Penn slams Hon Malone for ‘undocumented COVID-19 cases’ comment

- labels it as ‘totally irresponsible’ & engendering fear & panic
Opposition Leader Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8), left, has publicly chided Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL), right, for his recent comment about the Territory possibly having over 1400 undocumented COVID-19 cases, according to projections. Photo: VINO/File
The Virgin Islands has reported 47 COVID-19 cases, with some 38 active as of September 1, 2020. Photo: VINO
The Virgin Islands has reported 47 COVID-19 cases, with some 38 active as of September 1, 2020. Photo: VINO
Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has urged the avoidance of speculation and to do mass testing throughout the Territory so that an accurate conclusion can be arrived at. Photo: www.cba.ca.com
Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has urged the avoidance of speculation and to do mass testing throughout the Territory so that an accurate conclusion can be arrived at. Photo: www.cba.ca.com
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Opposition Leader Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) has publicly chided Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) for his recent comment about the Territory possibly having over 1400 undocumented COVID-19 cases, according to projections.

The Territory has reported 47 COVID-19 cases, with some 38 active.

"We believe that we are seeing the tip of the iceberg and there are more person possibility infected in the population who are asymptomatic and can readily spread the disease. Which means that we may have many undocumented cases of who are transmitting the virus," Hon Malone said during a September 1, 2020, COVID-19 update.

‘Totally irresponsible’

In a statement today, September 3, 2020; however, Honourable Penn said while he commends the Government for its continued efforts to manage the ongoing crisis, “I found it to be totally irresponsible for this administration to announce unsubstantiated information of almost 1,500 undocumented cases of COVID-19 in the public space.

Hon Penn claimed that the comment has engendered fear and panic among residents.

“Additionally, the reported high numbers can create negative perceptions of our residents and the country as a whole…, not only regionally but on the international stage. These perceptions bring into question our ability to manage the virus and create an unavoidable stigma as it relates to the Territory as a whole.”

Mass testing

The Opposition Leader urged the avoidance of speculation and to do mass testing throughout the Territory so that an accurate conclusion can be arrived at.

“I implore, our Minister of Health, to ensure our hard working health officials have the necessary support, resources and test kits…, to administer mass testing throughout the entire territory and ascertain accurate data on the territory’s COVID-19 circumstance, based on evidence and, not speculation.... although these suggestions may seem minuscule, they will bring much needed comfort to our population and renewed confidence in our economy,” Hon Penn stated.

So far, confirmed cases have mainly been discovered on Tortola, in Huntum’s Ghut, Lower Estate, Long Bush, Cane Garden Bay, Hannah’s, Purcell Estate, Fat Hog’s Bay, Sea Cows Bay, Lambert’s Estate, and Road Town communities.

"While we don’t exactly know how much spread is caused by our asymptomatic group, current estimates place our undocumented cases at approximately 1, 482 persons at a minimum," the Minister for Health had said.

While Government has not made COVID-19 testing mandatory, it has invited persons who believed they may have been exposed or experiencing symptoms to get tested for free.

45 Responses to “Hon Penn slams Hon Malone for ‘undocumented COVID-19 cases’ comment”

  • Challenger (03/09/2020, 15:10) Like (47) Dislike (4) Reply
    I agree with you Sir..100%.
    how can a responsible member of the government publicly make such a rash and unsubstantiated comment such as this.
    having done so very well in managing the health team it is very odd that he would say something like this.
    respectfully submitted
    • lol (03/09/2020, 15:34) Like (14) Dislike (30) Reply
      Marlon reading off funny man walwyn script he will never be premier and funny man too
    • Mrs Tubman (03/09/2020, 15:44) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
      And considering your very own comment on Mr Malone's proven ability,why not hive him the benefit of a doubt. He is in the front line. And the one with the critique,what is his claim to fame? Gov members should be showing solidarity in this life and death crisis..Jabbing each other for jab sake and for personal attention is juvenile distasteful and counterproductive.
      • Carvin.is Wrong (03/09/2020, 16:35) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
        Carvin.is a very intelligent man. Be knows better. These vague and personal belief statements on such serious issue...Not Good.
  • question (03/09/2020, 15:15) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    With the survival rate of the Corona close to 100% without a vaccine. What exactly will the purpose of the new vaccine be?
    • Local (03/09/2020, 18:11) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      @question you say survival rate 100% where you read that because , for a virus that has caused thousand of death in 9 months how can say that , people misunderstanding recovery with cured which is far from the truth ,no one knows what will be the backlash from those million that have been affected and been classified as recovered. I'm not here to scare anyone but this is facts persons that have recovered need to monitor themselves and always wear a mask around everyone even close family member , co-workers because the truth is they are not cured . People protect your self always
  • 100% (03/09/2020, 15:23) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    100% lockdown, the people would have been on their last week
  • Mrs Tubnan (03/09/2020, 15:27) Like (18) Dislike (12) Reply
    I hope that a massive and mass testing is done and reality hits as the actual documented infected becomes a number waaay larger than 1400.
    I believe that Hon Malone did what was necessary to bring home the point the only way he could. He is out there in the frontline and hav
    ve much better grasp on the reality. The reality though is that his point will hit the hard heads when dead bodies starts the count. In urgency amid a crisis such as this Gov member should be supporting each other and not attempting one up manship with juvenile tattle and tug of war for personal attention.
    • @Mrs. Tubman (03/09/2020, 15:55) Like (15) Dislike (4) Reply
      People get “the flu” every year relax
      • eyes (03/09/2020, 18:24) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Mr. Tubman mind set like your is what cause people to get sick. So you saying it's ok get covid is that it. You sound like Trump an ass . There is virus call herpes it have treatments but no cure it doesn't kill but can cause many different illness to the body cause blindness , shingles but no cure because it doesn't kill you so drug companies not looking for a cure they making money off the treatment so if you think they will bring a cure for covid no a vaccine to control it , to make money so the more people get sick better for them. They not talking about finding a cure only vaccine to suppress it . Protect your health
      • Mrs Tubman (03/09/2020, 18:39) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Well ,good for them and congratulations on your knowledge but COVID-19 is not " the flu". .
        • @Mrs Tubman (03/09/2020, 21:47) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
          It is the flu, take away the unknown deaths that they added, taken way the deaths cause by poison that they added, the unintentional deaths and intentional deaths that they added and Covid only killed 40,000 which is the regular flu season... don’t believe me here’s a video showing you the CDC latest statement you can thank me later

          https://www.facebook.com/1441913616125188/posts/2703706249945912/
  • If... (03/09/2020, 15:44) Like (27) Dislike (1) Reply
    If his statement does insight fear, I think it's a good thing. Maybe it will encourage those who have been reckless to adhere to the restrictions put in place rather than flouting the rules and putting us all at risk. And, he's probably right with his assumptions.
  • Truth Sayer (03/09/2020, 15:59) Like (7) Dislike (8) Reply
    I do not always agree with the Leader of the Opposition but this is one time that I do. Hon Malone should not just give random figures without the testing. The frontline persons are the medical and health officials and if they have not gone out into the entire communities to do testing, then we should not be getting any guess figures. The testing in this country should have been done much earlier instead, as is the case with everything else, we have have to wait until something happens or someone becomes infected to react. WE MUST STOP BEING A REACTIVE GOVERNMENT AND COUNTRY AND TRY TO BE PROACTIVE! THE INFORMATION ON COVID-19 HAS BEEN AROUND FOR FAR TOO LONG FOR US NOT TO HAVE A PROPER PLAN!.
    • Rayemundo (03/09/2020, 16:49) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Truth Sayer. Giving random figures and no fact checks is a dangerous thing to do. The CDC done lable us, he adddd fuel to that fire.
  • sunnyday (03/09/2020, 16:05) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    What happen to we the people FREEDOM are we to be used by the politicians for their EGOS and POWER.
    We the people are doing the best that we can concerning the circumstances. But when politicians has to bullY us and over reach into our lives and business and even go as far as to threaten the PEOPLE with a lockdown like it’s only our fault.
    I REMEMBER THE TERM TRANSPARENT - BUT THAT WAS FOR ELECTION PURPOSES ONLY - NOW IT IS MY WAY OR YOU GET LOCKDOWN. I WONDER IF WHEN THEY WAS GROWING UP AS CHILDREN THEY EVER DREAM THAT THEY WOULD HAVE THE POWER TO SHUT A COUNTRY DOWN BECAUSE THE PEOPLE GIVE THEM THE POWER TO.
  • PEZ KOI (03/09/2020, 16:13) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
    Mr Penn and Mr Turnbull, AKA FRICK AND FRACK, you are the two main ones that is blocking the lock down. So tell me FRICK AND FRACK IF THE VIRUS HIT ONE OF YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS OR LOVE ONES WOULD YOU STILL TRY TO BLOCK THE LOCK DOWN. Stop letting funny tell you what to do. Act like men for once and use your own damn noggin.
    • @pezkoi (03/09/2020, 19:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      The only thing wrong right there he not a man. Maybe a voodoo man or serpent but not a man. This is too much air time vino. All your fault yes yes yes.
  • ReX FeRal (03/09/2020, 16:45) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Has it occured to you people that this virus, th his bacteria, this flu symptom is deadly yet very treatable?
    • @RexFeral (03/09/2020, 18:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Does the VI have the means for treating?
      The equipment for life saving in this COVID is a ventilator. A ventilator for each COVID patient. Approx 40,000 people in the VI and
      there are 8 ventilators. Hospital beds, nurses..Ambulances?
      If there ever was a time for a wakeup call in the bvi, it is now.
      The la de da attitude in this place needs a big adjustment.


      • Norris Turnbull (03/09/2020, 22:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        It was a time for a wake up call after The August Floods, After Irma and after Maria. Seize the time.
  • Mr Penn? (03/09/2020, 16:56) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    tell the people where the 7.2 million gone: u know whose pockets got lined with the tax money & while u on your feet shed some lite on the 8 million dollars that all of us know was for the sewage project in your neighborhood.....await your press conference on the few questions
  • concerned East End man (03/09/2020, 16:56) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    Mr Penn what the HELL is wrong with you why the Hell you do not on the radio and apolisized for what you said THE VOODO MATHS stop talking SHIT get the money flowing we need the money not your half cooked broadcast boy if i had intentions to vote for you I will not you have one off get the voodo money and get the plan you want for the country going let us see what you can do former member of the 7th district [please give marlon some quotes on how to deal with the matter so we can move a head ,arlon you acting like a little child when he or she did not get any candies you need to buckle up and act like a big man and not aa little boy you just oppose for opposing sake Hurry get the voodo money to the people hurricane season is not done yet
  • facts (03/09/2020, 17:14) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    So ever time funny man and Broderick write some foolishness for smurf he put his big head up well sah but I know his they are not his words
  • DON Q (03/09/2020, 17:34) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Every politician needs their 2 mins in spot light
  • pig (03/09/2020, 18:16) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    As expected Marlon Penn would look brownie points off Carvin Malone statement. An opportunist and distractor with nothing to offer but evil and selfish motives. Here comes another opportunity for the donkey to divide.
  • W*F (03/09/2020, 18:18) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    BVI PEOPLE TIME YOU KNOW A DIRTY LOWLIFE SNAKE WHEN YOU SEE ONE. HERE COMES THE VOODOO MAN.
  • Paran town (03/09/2020, 19:18) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Marlon you talking some un fritle words time for you to do something for the district what happen to the roads the use of the clinic and other things in the village. Go see if you can dind the sewrage pipes and run them so that the sewage could be corrected and have people sytop running sewrage water in other people yard whn them shit tank full Do you visit the other areas in the 8th district we do not see you till every 4 tears when it is election Marlon you have to do better yes you have t critise tge Government whwn needed but at this time stop making self personal radio bradacase about the government and go help keep long boy a distance because if you think he is going to assist you in the next election you better go GOOSE Clear up yhe Voodo MONEY and we might consider nezt election votes but kttp tall boy at arace because you might get in more f...
  • the Poimt (03/09/2020, 19:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr Penn go and get the money for the pipes which are buried along the road side I walk down paaquita bay long the road and pipes are there been covered with dirt that is the way the RAW SHIT is been worked on waste of money Dr, Pickering go out there and see what you can do as a doctorit is a shame You used to say inLEGCO when you were on the opposition id the SEWRAGE is bot fixed we are going to have epedemic of mass proporation now we have a pandemic of mass porpotion so try get with marlon and see what can be done you to blame too Marlon is not up to par with what he has to do only Voodo Voodo Voodo what a tging in Rge 8th district
  • Burp (03/09/2020, 19:37) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Heaar crazy man Marlon coronavirus Penn open the border Carvin I’m the big bad opposition open up Carvin you killing the economy Carvin. Now he hear the numbers he bawling. A real poop face!!!!
  • Undocumented Cases (03/09/2020, 19:56) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Most of the people posting on this story have clearly never listened to international health announcements. The comment Carvin made about undocumented cases is a standard community spread calculation that the CDC and other international disease control bodies use. A very similar stat is put out by WHO and others on sexually transmitted diseases. The truth is no Government or Health Department or Hospital etc will catch every case and if there is a contagious virus or disease it is highly likely that there are several undocumented cases. The fact that he said it is merely to let people know that you have to remain vigilant. The slackness and blatant ignorance being displayed by people refusing to wear masks properly or at all and refusal to sanitize has warranted reminding people that the possibility of undocumented cases exist.
  • questions (03/09/2020, 20:02) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hmm, asymptomatic or dont have the bloody virus and the stupid test fake!!
  • NDPian (03/09/2020, 20:06) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Chupes go sidung o tired a u, every lil wind blow u react be proactive and not reactive to the least foolish things. Ur leader ship is skills is on watch
  • Dancing in the sunshine (03/09/2020, 22:51) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Before on put his or her mouth into making statements, it is very important to read the article before making silly statements on the blog. What Minister Malone said there MAY be over 1400 cases of COVID-19 cases in the territory. Perhaps, it may be more. And if it is not true we should thank God for His protection on the territory. Every time I read statements by Hon. Penn they sound irresponsible because he does not speak for himself rather he tries to feel his way around someone else.

    For instance if United States president had taken the suggestion of president Obama and prepared the country for the pandemic many thousands of lives would have been saved. The Ministry of health is working on a statistical model that makes forecast and that is how that projected figure came about. After Hon. Penn made that statement more cases were discovered in the territory and God forbid we may have more and the figure keeps increasing.

    Should we wait until that figure is realize then we will take precaution. Certainly, I don't think so. It is not a matter of creating fear on the population but it is better to prepare than to be sorry. If president Trump had taken the warning in 2017, over 7,000,000 cases would have been avoided and almost 200,000 lives would not have been lost. Hon. Penn you are not thinking of your people and as such I will encourage the voters of the Eight District to vote you out at the next General Election. You sheltered under the NDP administration and now you are exposes.
  • Teuth (04/09/2020, 06:45) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Penn. Hold their feet to the fire. It was irresponsible yes. Carvin should have let the professionals explain what the numbers mean. He put them out there with no context.
  • TarrisHill (04/09/2020, 07:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    People mr. Makone as the Minister of health is do ing the right thing can anybody see the flow of deaths in the BVI from COVID Mr, Malone keep the medical tracks up what you need to do is give Marlon your post and see what he will do he going to find the first plane to the United States to go live in the big castle he brought in the States , Marlon need to do just what he got to do and leave people alone, He is up in his big mansion comes out only when he got to come out but others have to work hard to be able to eat All NDP members got them big houses to run to one on Nail Bay Whelk Point Hill Anguilla Mc Namara Cane Garden Bay and other places if they had care we may have not been in this financial saga they would have gel people Malone do not study Marlon he only for he self and family and perhaps long boy to help him keep his mouth shut and get along Marlon go and dish the monry out people need FOOD but be mindful how you are giving it out do not give one person a lump sum and some cannot get nothing
  • stop the politics (04/09/2020, 07:48) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply

    Hon Penn
    Suddenly you care about Tola people when you sat with your political friends who for 8 years stole our tax money:

    1. Man fully paid school wall not complete
    2. 40 million overrun pier park not done
    3. 8 million gone sewage not corrected
    4. Over 10 million gone and we still have to fly on LIAT

    The people of the territory have been hit hardly by an unforeseen circumstance however your political leadership intentionally stole our tax money

    Mr Penn
    Those millions you and your crew mismanaged when in political office for 8 years our people could be using right now(talk to me)

    The issue is speaking about:-
    All our tax money gone under your party and WE have nothing to show for IT

    The entire universe have been devastated by COVID 19: little BVI have been impacted

    Hon Penn
    Stop pointing fingers and stop letting NDP use you like a clown to speak poorly about where you were born.....join hand in hand///stop the talk

    • Blah Blah Blah (04/09/2020, 10:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      broken blah blah blah record.. VIP crony
      • @ blah blah (04/09/2020, 12:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        u sound like a permit holder because uncle Covid visits each & very one of we: there is difference between make factual historical remarks and being a political a&& wipe
    • @Stop (04/09/2020, 10:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Say it again. You hit the nail right on the head. Instead of telling us where our money gone, he busy deflecting. He and Mitch don't have any rights to talk . Two little puppets on a string. And funny man and Picko need to STFU as well...unless they are going to tell us the truth about the points you mentioned above.
  • Dictator (04/09/2020, 08:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    That's such a daft statement: "estimates place our undocumented cases at approximately 1, 482 persons at a minimum". It don't make any sense to talk about estimates and approximate numbers and then give a precise non-rounded figure. Minister, if you don't want to sound like a clown, it would have been better to say minimum estimates of unconfirmed cases are nearly 1,500.
  • Michael Helm (04/09/2020, 09:47) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Two of them are family so i not getting involved
    • voter (05/09/2020, 06:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      That’s a good one!! I totally agree
    • @ Mr Helm (05/09/2020, 17:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      point taken but I love my children however not because I love them mean I won’t give them a proper cut @&$......all 13 of them are responsible for government duties: we voted for the 13 of them to come up with solutions when our country needs leadership NOT talk a set of “muck”



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