UPDATE: VI on 'brink of disaster'- Dancia Penn OBE, QC
In a broadcast on ZBVI 780AM this evening, May 20, 2015 Mrs Penn said the VI is at a crossroad and at the brink of disaster as she has never before seen.
The respected legal practitioner said she has seen the decline of the territory and the need for honest and dedicated leadership.
She highlighted the lack of decorum in the House of Assembly, disregard for the VI Constitution, refusal by the present government to answer questions asked by the Opposition in Parliament, lack of accountability and transparency by some members of the House, leaving the public unaware of the true state of the public finances, as matters of serious concern to her.
Corruption like never before
Further blasting the current National Democratic Party (NDP) administration, Penn said there is corruption like never before seen in the Virgin Islands and lamented that corruption is the surest way for underdevelopment of a country. She called on the people of the Virgin Islands to stamp out corruption now by voting for honest men and women come election day.
Her message, she said, was also about hope for a more united and happier Virgin Islands where leaders accept that it is their duty to be accountable to the people, be responsible in their spending, and who are about fairness, peace, and justice for all.
The future of the VI, she said, was not about roads and cruise ship pier but about a long lasting development for everyone.
Penn also spoke much on constitutional reform and among the things she recommended were a fixed date for general election and an independent elections commission.
“I have never left you”
Noting that she has represented the territory all over the world in different capacities, Mrs Penn said she remains a humble person and family-oriented and over the past three years she took time off from politics to do much introspection, time for herself, personal growth and renewal, and to draw closer to God. “I have never left you.”
The former Eighth District representative also said she has an action plan that she would be revealing to the public over the coming days.
See previous article published May 20, 2015
Dancia Penn to run as Independent At Large
- to make broadcast announcement this evening, May 20, 2015
Information reaching Virgin Islands News Online from sources close to former Deputy Premier with the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government Dancia Penn OBE, QC is that she will be running as an Independent Territorial At Large candidate for the June 8, 2015 elections.
According to the same sources, Penn, who was unseated in the Eighth District by Marlon A. Penn at the 2011 General Election, is expected to be making an announcement of her candidacy in a live broadcast on ZBVI 780AM at 7:30pm.
We will bring you you more details shortly.
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50 Responses to “UPDATE: VI on 'brink of disaster'- Dancia Penn OBE, QC”
We need a strong, honest , intelligent person to be our watchdog. Somebody who cannot be swayed by "party politics" or drowned out by overbearing party members.
An independent or a few independents in the house is just the ticket we need.
Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. A government that has no opposition can basically do as it pleases for the entire duration of their term be it good, bad or indifferent.
The PEOPLE need transparency, honesty and accountability. A few GOOD independent candidates (with a vote) who are watching over what government is doing, would be a very good thing. I have a lot of faith in Ms. Penn and think she would be an excellent addition to government as an INDEPENDENT candidate.
pay back time.
I was rather disheartened to read a post above where it was suggested that Mrs. Penn-Salah is too old to represent the territory. Think carefully ..... As much as one believes in giving the young people an opportunity to enter the political arena, are we giving the young people a skewed impression as to how much they can really achieve on behalf of the territory? I wish to be very clear that the intention is not to discount or disparage their contributions and aspirations. However, if we are honest with ourselves, how much knowledge of and experience does the average young person have in international affairs, financial services and even tourism, the bread and butter of our sustainability? We cannot only see politics as local (we have long moved beyond that insular phase). Indeed, our young people should be courted and groomed for politics long in advance of scheduled elections. Moreover, my considered view is that we are using the buzzword the 'young people' for convenience to drum up votes and win seats, only that they likely will be relegated to back-burner status once the elections dust settles.... In brief, maturity, experience and achievement are often desired and expected qualities to be politically qualified.
I have mulled over the VIP's decision to field Mr. Smith as the 2nd District's candidate. Whilst I appreciate and applaud the grassroots efforts of the young man (and I equally applaud Mr. Turnbull's), I feel that this is a ripe opportunity for the VIP to endorse Mr. Parsons as a show of unity. Mr. Parsons brings a wealth of experience, technical expertise and balance to the table, which we are in dire need of at this critical stage in our territory's development. Such a move will not show the VIP as weak; rather, this could augur well for the party and the wider interests of this territory.
Mrs. Penn-Sallah has the interests of this beloved territory at heart. She deserves a second chance.
However, I recognize that democracy must prevail, and I therefore respect your right to vote for the candidates of your choice. I only beg that you do not disparage the valiant contributions made by the Honourable lady towards the betterment of these treasured islands.
My pick for At Large thus far is Alvin, Dania, Carl Dawson and i wait until Friday when all the Horse in the gate to allot the other x... have good morning you all.
The fact that so many people are dropping into the race at will might not be the best thing for the BVI.
For the next four years, elected officials (VIP, NDP, PEP,Independent) MUST make a concerted effort to modify the System.
A specified time for election need to be established.
A specified time for declaration of candidacy need to be established.
A specified time for registration need to be established.
If anything, this narrow window for voters to decide about how to cast their votes demonstrates the weakness in the system.
I for one am tired of the finger pointing, name calling and accusations. DEBATES WOULD BE A MUCH SANER WAY OF PRESENTING YOURSELVES TO THE PUBLIC.