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'I have to do Voodoo maths' to allocate district funds - Hon Penn

- says 300K funding is hardly enough for demands in COVID-19 era
Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has said the $300,000 district fund allocation is hardly enough to meet the demands of those in need. Photo: VINO
Opposition Member Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) said he requested some $1.65M for the Second District. Photo: VINO
Opposition Member Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) said he requested some $1.65M for the Second District. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - With many feeling the economic impacts of COVID-19, including families and businesses, Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), along with Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), said the $300,000 district fund allocation is hardly enough to meet the demands of those in need.

Speaking at an Opposition press conference, yesterday, August 26, 2020, Hon Penn said, "We just got access to these funds less than two weeks now, we have sent forward requests from our constituency because we see the dire needs of persons throughout our community, persons who have fallen behind on their rent," he told reporters.

High demand for district funds 

According to Hon Penn, persons are in need of money to simply put food on the table and said he requested some $700,000 from Government; however, he only received $300,000.

"They are real needs and persons aren't hiding... they have been sharing with us their bills and the things, the obligations that they have, and we have been fighting to get that support out of persons, throughout our communities."

Hon Penn said it is "total lies" that District Representatives were sitting on the money, "the money wasn't available." 

Meanwhile, Hon Turnbull said he requested some $1.65M for the Second District; given the pandemic has impacted heavily dependent tourism areas like Cane Garden Bay, Jost van Dyke and Brewers Bay; however, he said he will make use of the $300, 000 fund allocation.

Difficulty allocating funds 

According to the Opposition Leader, "I have to do some Voodoo mathematics to try to help as many people as possible. We all have the same dilemma and I'm sure the other members could attest to that."

He said the Territory has to find a way to allocate funds, safely get people back to work, as well as finding a way to get the economy going again and get revenues flowing.

"The reality is, if we don't do this, we are going to lose a lot of our businesses. We have to find a way to get those businesses back up again... and the only way we can do this is through a plan," Hon Penn noted.

36 Responses to “'I have to do Voodoo maths' to allocate district funds - Hon Penn”

  • Frett (27/08/2020, 16:32) Like (15) Dislike (10) Reply
    No surprise by the leader of the opposition words which fittingly coming from a man who thinks wickedness is righteous. I need not say another word that the public is steering down the devil in disguise.
    • ? (27/08/2020, 17:12) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
      Frett you are so right .it's because you get your already.
      SHUT up I need mine.
    • @frett (28/08/2020, 07:31) Like (0) Dislike (19) Reply
      U sound so stupid y does everthing hav to do wit wickedness and the devils part tell me wat part od wat he said made u come to dat conclusion voodoo mathetics is just a figure of speech it is very understandable wat he said caz look at the amount he has been given to work wit plus look at d demanding amount of d people so his words r justifiable so stop thinking those stupid thoughts
      • @@frett (28/08/2020, 18:54) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        Did you receive a formal education?

        With that vocabulary, it’s shocking that you can even spell the word stupid.
  • L Ipton (27/08/2020, 17:02) Like (34) Dislike (1) Reply
    It will be a challenge and a miracle may be needed. You will not be able to effectively allocate $300,000 to persons who need $700,000. Some will get others will not whilst some will not get the amount needed.

    I just hope that the monies will be disbursed to persons in the constituency and will be properly accounted for. Not to be given to friends, family and cronies at the expense of persons in need of the funds.
  • josiah'sbay (27/08/2020, 17:08) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
    Here's a suggestion. District leaders should get a fixed percentage of the budget. Since I returned I've seen the budget rise significantly with the districts getting a crumb increase. My opinion is that the districts should have a minimum of three million dollars to do district things. Districts should be allowed to use district resources to generate revenue and use it for themselves or share with Gov. A one time gift of about five millions should be given as seed money for districts to invest and use the investment gains to improve or run their district. It doesn't have to be giving to all at the same time, it can be staggered. I'm of the opinion that any district Representative can introduce legislation to that end. District Rep. having a majority count should find it possible to pass the required legislation. Just my opinion.
    • josiah'sbay (28/08/2020, 09:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I received 4 dislikes can anyone who disliked the suggestions give me an insight as to why?
  • How About (27/08/2020, 17:23) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    How about you take a 25% pay cut to give to those in need.

    That goes to all ministers....
  • thom Long Look (27/08/2020, 17:34) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    boy share the money fairly where are you going wth voddoo naths what a ehind please dish out the money in a meaningful way money seem to be a problem WHRE IS THE SHIT MONEY get that to add to what you get we are not hering any thing on that you better get that sorted out before it soort out you Make sure that Long lookians and east enders get their money before the voodo maths kicks in be on the alert people need help so do your fair share the days of i dont have is over if the Eastenders and longLookers do not be treated right this will not be lowerd down or shut down like the SHIT MONEY an SOS will be sent out on this matter so penn and not pencil will be dealing with this matter and the result will add up to the VOODO MATHS ALRIGHT YOU SAID IT so share the money in a fair manner
  • Marlon (27/08/2020, 17:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Voodoo ur spiritual vocabulary is off more negative...just a lil insight of one self
  • watch your words (27/08/2020, 17:54) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    We don’t need your help with anything to do with voodoo joke or no joke.
  • Simple Maths (27/08/2020, 18:20) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    How about focusing more on the immediate needs and assisting everyone in some way as best as we can. Never will we be able to meet every single need. It will take discipline on the part of those requesting and on the part of those giving. What is $700,000 needed for by the way? Let us know.
  • PENN (27/08/2020, 18:27) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    Big Clown
  • Oooohh (27/08/2020, 18:28) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    BVI PEOPLE LEAVE THE MAN AND HE VOODOO MONEY ALONE. OMG OMG OMG. What disgraceful witchcraft shitt is this buddy? People like them don’t let them pour you nothing to drink!!!!
  • Umm (27/08/2020, 19:03) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Treat that money like it’s your personal money and I bet then you will make it work.
  • Styler (27/08/2020, 19:59) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Cuz I thought you had more sense than that it shows me where your mind is Voodo you need a dose of salvation. What Orlando give you when he was there be thankful
  • Curfew (27/08/2020, 20:03) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    If y'all stop shutting down the damm place and think we will be ok again.
  • uruhu (27/08/2020, 20:24) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Never seen this man in my district pardna) the food after the lockdown you give all to ur family to distribute) dude go sit down.
  • Cast a stone (27/08/2020, 22:41) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    The man was only joking . Stop !!ayo just blowing everything out of context .
  • GTFOH (27/08/2020, 23:28) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Marlon dont need any voodoo math. What he need to do is call the man that he name the hospital after to tell a friend to tell a friend to return the $1.7 million.
  • Possessed (28/08/2020, 00:11) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well he say voodoo maths. Voodoo strong in the eight. What is this. I see why he was a cockfighter. voodoo people sacrifice animals.
  • Dancing in the sunshine (28/08/2020, 00:44) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am not surprise by Hon. Penn's statement because he is politically bankrupt. For several years he was with the NDP Government and he sat in the House of Assembly and saw all the atrocities that took place in the government and he said nothing about them. After a long sleep like Rick Van Winkle he woke up and wanted the Hon. Premier to do magic in two short years to fix what should have been done many years ago.

    Hon. Penn needs $700.000 for each district representatives, increment for Public Servants that were due for several years, economic stimulus for business, fixing of government infrastructure and the list goes on. How hypocritical it sounds. I think what Hon. Penn should do is to advise his Constituent to become self reliant as his forefathers were who build this country without handouts from government. He should teach them the Chinese philosophy, that is to teach a man to fish and he will fish for life and not giving him a fish daily. He should stop making the territory into a welfare state.
    • @dancing in the sunshine (28/08/2020, 18:57) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      You are on point but tell me. You had to say all that to say you point. The voodoo man is just what he is. A devil in a suit.
  • rattie (28/08/2020, 01:01) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Voodoooo kept smurf in office
  • Hmm (28/08/2020, 05:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    People asking for $700000. and i cannot gey $7. Yet from social security to feed my children.
  • look (28/08/2020, 07:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Its amazing how small minded u people are yet i must say all u people dat on here going on about voodoo money is the same set of u dat all wen d money is voodoo money u alll will b d first there to collect dat same voodoo money even it it kill allu am pretty sure non of u will refuse voodo money rite now or ever cax u all money. Struck and love freeness so stop complaining
  • Bloomberg (28/08/2020, 09:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is the kind of idiot we have in office with a statement like this. flaming fire for the little we have. What we have will never be enough not even for you but when you were in the drivers seat you were eating your ass off as Minister and still collecting over $300 from financial services.

    Evil at its best.
  • the sound (28/08/2020, 12:05) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Marlon this is some one who caes be cerycareful from now what words you use not everyone take such things as jokes i feel you wwere making a high joke but it turn out to be an issue it is not your money give out the money when it done it done share it out in portions that persons can get please make checks of people requests because some will come with all kind of bills and no oneelse will be able to get nothing sorry that persons took the remarks in a wrong light but help anyway ask God to see you through and be mindfull again be careful with what words you use not every one has such level of education and people think things in their own way be good marlon
    • @thesound (28/08/2020, 14:47) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      @the sound. Get to know the real Marlon. This from someone who cares about people too. Marlon mind is just as his voodoo words. I know you want to hear differently but people like Marlon have to sleep with one eye open at night. The wicked who think them righteous have a way of manipulating and brainwashing people like you. Voodoo maths my ass. Do not take that money.
  • the sound (28/08/2020, 15:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I was not meaning thay marlon should not distribute the money i was just expressing fair comments i really do not know him from a personal point of view i just expressing how I feel God will deal with him if there are other things to be considered but yes you have to choose what to say very carefully because words can hurt and also scare hope the issue is lifted God is the Judge
    • @thesound (28/08/2020, 20:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ok but I will not be taking any of that money. I feel I will be cursed and experience hardship for life. He can he voodoo can go to hell with it.
  • LilyAnn (29/08/2020, 14:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    listen to me ... small children creating baked goods to sell etc. Look at the young lady in Virgin Gorda, and others who showcased good to sell over the course of the pandemic ... now you want to tell me BIG people can't think of ways to make money besides sucking on Govt nipple ??????
  • save the nation (29/08/2020, 15:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr penn i think that you need to go on the radio and say that you are sorry for the remarks made by you now you see how words has made you become an enemy Boy tyhe tounge is powerfull and it sometimes make you or berak you No one aftering this may have questions about taking the money but you have to asure them that all is well and if they do not take it what remains you will use in the community Marlon get on your knees and pray so that God to remove such stigma from the minds of people you will sussced but it will take time Life has its up and downs but is one lesson you should have learn Be CAREFUL WHAT TOU SAY WORDS ARE LIKe SWORDS AND PEOPLE TAKE THEM AND PEARCE NOT ONLY THE SPEAKER BUT THE RECEIVER ALSO
  • LAW (30/08/2020, 09:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Marlon do not take on this matter 100% do what you can people are very highminded the monies that we get from the bank do they know where it comes from you get it and spend it you laugh all the way to the supermarkets pay your bills but do you really know how it iscirculated Marlon ask a minister of relofion to pray for the money and ask him to also cover your remarks some people will not take it lighly but trust God and he will see you through
  • For all of you stuck on the word VOODOO (30/08/2020, 09:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Grow the hell up!! Oh no! I used the word hell... This is why we are in the position we are in. Forget the word you simpletons and stop missing the point! This country is in the middle of the world’s economic recession. There’s not enough funds to go around and the Government is winging it. Sorry not sorry but the ignorance on these blogs is disheartening.
  • Local (31/08/2020, 13:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just sitting here and shaking my head


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