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Penn-Sallah announces Independent At-Large Candidacy

-Says will play unifying role if elected to HoA in 2019 General Election
R. Dancia Penn-Sallah QC OBE, a former Deputy Premier of the Virgin Islands (VI), today, January 24, 2019, announce her Territorial At-Large Candidacy to contest the 2019 General Election to be held on February 25, 2019. Photo: Facebook
Her announcement to contest the 2019 elections comes a day after The Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) announced the 2019 General Election date as February 25, 2019. Photo: VINO/File
Her announcement to contest the 2019 elections comes a day after The Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) announced the 2019 General Election date as February 25, 2019. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – R. Dancia Penn-Sallah QC OBE, a former Deputy Premier of the Virgin Islands (VI), today, January 24, 2019, announce her Independent At-Large Candidacy to contest the 2019 General Election of the VI to be held on February 25, 2019.

The announcement comes just 24hrs after Mrs Penn-Sallah had publically lambasted the Dr Smith led National Democratic Party (NDP 1), calling them a ‘downright disgrace’ in describing the management of sectors like education, public facilities and the maintenance of national records.

Careful Decision

According to Mrs Penn-Sallah, the decision to run was not an easy one, “I have had to consider carefully, the personal and professional business implications of a decision to again seek elected public office,” she said in the opening of a ten minute Facebook live video via Tola Radio VI.

“Decisions about things that truly matter are never easy, and those who seek to lead and represent others need to be conscientious in their decision making and the process of decision-making matters,” she says.

“In the process, I have listened, I have observed, I have sought the guidance, council and wisdom of the elders of our country, women and men, many have prayed with me and for me and I have engaged one on one with many,” Mrs Penn-Sallah uttered.

Off-Course

The former Deputy Premier further shared that she has taken a ‘long hard look’ at where the country and economy was, including the concerns of the business community.

“We are historically a maritime people, a sailing people, and we have gone off course, way off course... there are many voices clamouring for attention and seeking to set the ship aright,” she posited.  

“This is a time, if there ever has been one when great wisdom and discernment are called for as the country decides what course to take.”  

Further Mrs Penn-Sallah noted that her role in the HoA if elected, will be that of a unifier, ready and able to serve, “United we stand, divided we fall and for our country which remains on the brink, I offer myself for elected public office.”  

“Today, I present myself to you as a candidate for a Territorial seat in the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands (VI) in the General Elections which will be held on the 26th of February this year,” she said.

Political History

Mrs Penn-Sallah first ran with the VIP in 2007 and won representing the Eighth District. She ran again in 2011 and was not re-elected, being defeated by now Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8).

In her third bid for elective office, she ran as an Independent in 2015 and lost again. The Queen’s Counsel came in 8th out of 16 candidates, as only the top-four persons who received votes are elected in the At-Large system. She had a mere 1,837 votes.

The fourth place went to Hon Archibald C. Christian (AL) who had 4,659 votes.

Mrs Penn-Sallah's announcement to contest the 2019 elections comes a day after The Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) announced the 2019 General Election date as February 25, 2019.

22 Responses to “Penn-Sallah announces Independent At-Large Candidacy ”

  • Race announcer (24/01/2019, 10:34) Like (24) Dislike (6) Reply
    The horses are on the track, they are in the gate and here we go.
    This is it now, Ayo look ting Aunty Dancy is on a mission, all rockie jocky take note. This is world cup racing in my lil BVI. May the better jocky win.
  • Excellent (24/01/2019, 10:39) Like (72) Dislike (19) Reply
    Yess Miss Penn. This is what I've been keenly waiting for. You above all ah them so call high-fuluted groups full of crooks. None of them in your ball park and none of them can't lead you. Get busy, put forward your agenda and vision for the people. What will you do for us other than talk for us in London. Let's here what you coming with and put let the people put their confidence back in you. I hope you win. This thing is better than balloons and decorations at a party rally with a set of cheap ass talk. Come to us with hard core intentions as to how you going do this thing. You got my vote
  • Mother Goose (24/01/2019, 11:07) Like (55) Dislike (40) Reply
    Fanci Danci sat on a wall
    Fanci Danci had a great fall
    All the Picko Moff's and all the 90 year old men
    couldn't get Danci voted in the House of Assembly ever again!

    #DOA #FanciDanci #SitDUNG #NominationREFUND #OBE,QC,DP, DG...haveseveralseats
  • YES! (24/01/2019, 11:27) Like (35) Dislike (31) Reply
    Give this woman another chance. She is worth it. She is what our country needs. Someone of her caliber with a strong understanding of country. Let’s vote Aunty Danci back to power!
  • Yes (24/01/2019, 11:39) Like (38) Dislike (23) Reply
    Lame duck, she never did anything for the territory before. Just likes her picture being taken
  • o (24/01/2019, 12:31) Like (24) Dislike (4) Reply

    These Politicians need to focus on the people's work and business when they get elected and stop collecting our money while spending most of their time running their private offices. We don't get value for money ....So many conflicts...All these lawyers and Doctors don't have time for us....They are not committed to the job of serving the people ....What is she going go give us..more walk and more and more talk ....
  • tretretrete (24/01/2019, 12:34) Like (15) Dislike (9) Reply
    Yes, that's a good vote
  • Political Observer (PO) (24/01/2019, 13:14) Like (24) Dislike (12) Reply
    The territory is in crisis and at a crossroad, needing knowledgeable, experienced and talented people to come forward and lend a hand to help address the territory’s many challenges. Without talented, experienced and knowledgeable people coming forward to help, the territory will sputter and its future uncertain. Excited to see Dancia Penn-Sallah, former Deputy Premier, D-8 Rep, Attorney General, and Deputy Governor, joining the battle to rescue the territory and put it back on a steady sustainable course. Perused Dancia’s plan of action in her 2015 independence bid and it was strong. It was on line and only perhaps a few saw it . The masses needed to see it, feel it, to touch it, breath it and embrace it.
    This time around Dancia needs to launch and aggressive retail politics campaign through the length and breath of the territory. Looking forward to hearing from Dancia on the priotity solutions for the myriad of problems facing the territory.
    • @PO (24/01/2019, 14:29) Like (14) Dislike (8) Reply
      @PO, you are either a family member, close friend or just a blind disciple. On paper, Dancia is a tiger but as a legislator, her performance was not impressive. The paper tiger didn’t deliver.
  • bvi (24/01/2019, 13:20) Like (18) Dislike (3) Reply
    WHY is all the high school asbestos rubble being dumped at road reef.
    BVI is a free for all.
    Where are the environmental champions and Media in all of this???
    • Serious (24/01/2019, 17:19) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      I agree! I watched this the other day and asked myself who is doing this and infilling the sea while doing so? Needs to be investigated!
  • Byron (24/01/2019, 14:04) Like (19) Dislike (7) Reply
    As I expected. I just knew Dancia would run At-Large. Not one viable party would agree to give you Deputy Premier post if they were successful at the next general elections. I predict you will get less votes than you got last election.
  • ... (24/01/2019, 14:22) Like (12) Dislike (11) Reply
    poor lady she is dead on arrival
  • No please! (24/01/2019, 14:24) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    Many are called but few are chosen.
  • Tgv (24/01/2019, 14:42) Like (13) Dislike (16) Reply
    That's a lovely photo Dancia. But I will not be voting for you. Enough of the talk. This country needs change-agents. DOERS!
  • Tafari Zharr (24/01/2019, 15:03) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    In the times of “Me Too” We need to embrace candidates with varying contributions and skill sets that
    Reflect the ills pains and interests of the community where they live and where they hope to affect change: often times we elect those who do not have a vision for what the needs; having said that if elected can you be the vision for infrastructure, have you figured out direct air and sea ports access to the BVI; do you have
  • hey (24/01/2019, 15:21) Like (12) Dislike (15) Reply
    DANCIA ALL THE WAY
  • Tafari Zharr (24/01/2019, 15:43) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Does the candidate care that there is a stench in the air or that the rebuilding is not addressing aesthetics that complement the sell of natures little secrets; and if we can’t prosper from new economies like marijuana, recycling, green products and programs why can’t it be figured out that tourism is noble but people want “Bomba Shack” Foxies, The Rhône, Clean beaches, Coconut water, Pussers Rum, Tarts, Tours- sailing expeditions - relaxation, the donkey, why do you have to be political to get BVI up and running: ask not what the people can do for you - ask what you can do for your country; if you don’t get elected will you stop fighting for change- will you be like Mr Williard Wheatley and T B Lettsome and walk softly and carry a big stick? Can you make the BVI vigorous again, if you can I will suggest making “VIGA” as your hashtag Virgin Islands Great Again; That is if you can’t assemble a team to start the process and policies such as an improved act to help seniors with disabilities and transportation for those who meet eligibility for programs that incentivize and improve the quality of living which would be a small gesture to help make BVI better: Back in the day, people took donkeys into town- it was transportations- when I was a little girl people had horses- even Horton! We should be looking beyond horse racing and have stables for enriching that sentiment and joy of riding or becoming culturally exposed- just saying, and the botanic gardens; a lot of people put a lot of effort into that- but let me not forget BVI Greatness such as the dearly beloved J. R O’Neal’s wife, Beautiful “Marie” would have loved to walk in the garden if only she lived a few more years to see it: but we can - Dancia, we want a BVI that is socially and aesthetically pleasing and feels like home to all! You have been given the opportunity to be a powerhouse before so the question I leave you with is can you negotiate softly and carry a big stick? Your name “Penn” is already a powerhouse but can you transcend party for the people from End to Emd not forgetting the Bays?
  • wize up (24/01/2019, 16:25) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    Lady Penn you have done the right thing running outside of those parties....


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