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'The TRC needs a shot in the arm’– Hon Marlon A. Penn

- Throws full support behind Vance M. Lewis as Chairman of TRC
Arriving late at the continuation of Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA), today, February 27, 2020, Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), has publicly thrown his full support behind Mr Vance M. Lewis, as the Chair of the local Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC). Photo: Youtube/HoA
Current Chief Executive Officer of the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park (TPP), Mr Vance M. Lewis, left, has been appointed to sit as Chairman of the Board at the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission for a period of three years with effect from February 1, 2020. Mr Vincent Wattley, right, has been appointed to serve as Deputy Chairman. Photo: VINO/Facebook/File
Current Chief Executive Officer of the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park (TPP), Mr Vance M. Lewis, left, has been appointed to sit as Chairman of the Board at the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission for a period of three years with effect from February 1, 2020. Mr Vincent Wattley, right, has been appointed to serve as Deputy Chairman. Photo: VINO/Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Arriving late at the continuation of the Fifth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) today, Thursday, February 27, 2020, Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) publicly threw his full support behind Mr Vance M. Lewis, as the Chair of the local Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC).

Hon Penn’s vocal support comes as part of his recommendations of Lewis to the post ahead of a motion moved by Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) for the appointment.

Additionally, Mr Vincent Wattley will serve as Deputy Chairman for the same period of three years, effective February 1, 2020.

According to the Opposition Leader, given the track record and telecom experience of Mr Lewis, as well as his industry expertise and respect, “It vouches well to the type of character and the competence of the man that we are now appointing to this committee. The TRC needs a shot in the arm,” he said.

TRC must do its job – Hon Penn

Hon Penn underscored that the TRC must now ensure that the Territory gets reliable and quality internet service with value for money, while voicing his concerns about the current state of the industry. 

“More than ever in the history of this territory we need a reliable telecoms provider… We are moving to the age of Economic Substance and talking about bringing companies to do business in the Virgin Islands (VI). That requires a sound technological backbone,” he said.

Hon Penn underscored that no one will move the VI to conduct business if they cannot get an email or communicate with their head office and clients around the globe with efficiency.

The Opposition Leader further urged the TRC to hold the telecoms providers accountable for the provision of quality services, not just for businesses but for citizens as well.

Poor service with no value for money 

“You get complaints on a daily basis from individuals about not getting the service that they are paying for. We are paying top dollar for broadband connectivity but we are not getting the level of services that we are paying for and there is no recourse,” he said.

Hon Penn noted that the TRC must also ensure consumer protection is also available regarding refunds and compensation for poor service and urged the Government to back the Regulatory Commission in that regard.

11 Responses to “'The TRC needs a shot in the arm’– Hon Marlon A. Penn”

  • solution (27/02/2020, 17:52) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    general is the problem
  • Hmm (27/02/2020, 21:24) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
    Marlon shut up pig!!!
    • Simpleton (28/02/2020, 00:42) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      The best of you simpletons with your simple behavior and comments. What does your comment have to do with the discussion above. I don't know what people even bother to put themselves forward to represent you sent a ignorant and simple minded and ungrateful people.
  • fact (28/02/2020, 01:10) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    General needs to go
  • Real Talk (28/02/2020, 06:25) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    So true TRC is not doing its job
  • LCD (28/02/2020, 07:27) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    And a shot in the foot for not doing its JOB.
  • satan (28/02/2020, 08:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A shot in the arm he say. Mmmmmm.
  • jokes (28/02/2020, 09:49) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    You want action at TRC and throw your support behind Lewis. Marlon you need your head checked!
  • DEDE (28/02/2020, 15:20) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ Jokes, I here saying the same thing. If they all really serious about improving the quality of internet services here, they will advocate for someone that has no connection to any of the three companies operating in the BVI. Have you visited the TRC Office lately, most of staff from C&W(Flow. How we expect any progress in the place. They not going against their former employer and still want a pension.


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