Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Wedding bells for Marlon & Joy!

- Opposition Leader weds CEO of NBVI
Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) married CEO of the National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Ms Joy N. Francis in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on Saturday, January 4, 2020. Photo: Team of Reporters
The newly weds flanked by their political guests that included former Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith, left, Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), 2nd from left, Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6), 5th from left, Ronnie W. Skelton, right, Dr Kedrick D. Pickering, 3rd from right, and Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), 5th from right. Photo: Team of Reporters
The newly weds flanked by their political guests that included former Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith, left, Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), 2nd from left, Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6), 5th from left, Ronnie W. Skelton, right, Dr Kedrick D. Pickering, 3rd from right, and Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), 5th from right. Photo: Team of Reporters
Bride Joy N. Francis being escorted by her father to the altar. Photo: Team of Reporters
Bride Joy N. Francis being escorted by her father to the altar. Photo: Team of Reporters
Chairman of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and former legislator, Mr Ronnie W. Skelton, left, and former Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee, Mr Marvin E. Blyden at the wedding of Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) and CEO of the National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Joy N. Francis . Photo: Team of Reporters
Chairman of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and former legislator, Mr Ronnie W. Skelton, left, and former Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee, Mr Marvin E. Blyden at the wedding of Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) and CEO of the National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Joy N. Francis . Photo: Team of Reporters
Fourth District Representative Hon Mark H. Vanterpool at the wedding of Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) and CEO of the National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Joy N. Francis . Photo: Team of Reporters
Fourth District Representative Hon Mark H. Vanterpool at the wedding of Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) and CEO of the National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Joy N. Francis . Photo: Team of Reporters
PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, WI- On Saturday, January 4, 2020, the Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) and CEO of the National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Ms Joy N. Francis said ‘I do’ to each other in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

The couple was surrounded by close family, political friends and other well-wishers.

The decision by the couple to marry overseas is unclear at the moment but it seems like it was a uniting of the National Democratic Party I and II as wedding guests included former Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith, former Deputy Premier and former Seventh District Representative, Dr Kedrick D. Pickering, former At Large Member and now the chairman of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) Ronnie W. Skelton, Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull, Fourth District Representative Hon Mark H. Vanterpool and Sixth District Representative Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines.

Quite interestingly absent from the reuniting of the NDP I and II was former NDP chairman and former At Large Representative Mr Myron V. Walwyn, who was ousted brutally by voters in the February 2019 general elections. Mr Walwayn lost by more than 600 votes.

Virgin Islands News Online will bring more details once we are able to secure an interview with the newlyweds.

110 Responses to “Wedding bells for Marlon & Joy!”

  • apple pie (05/01/2020, 12:24) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well sah. Congratulations to them both
  • When in Love... (05/01/2020, 12:42) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    Congratulations to the lovely couple...all the very best!
    • ndp fan club (05/01/2020, 19:30) Like (11) Dislike (11) Reply
      She will make a good 1st lady
      • Ashford (05/01/2020, 23:07) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        First gringo boy have to get the premiership. NDP will do anything for power. Myron learn he lesson.
      • @NDP fan club (05/01/2020, 23:35) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
        Yep, she sure will. She have that First Lady look about her. They look very happy.
        • HAHA (06/01/2020, 10:36) Like (25) Dislike (2) Reply
          Look is not all of it she need to have the right attitude to and she doesn’t have it!!!!!
  • teacher ????? (05/01/2020, 13:04) Like (18) Dislike (12) Reply
    I wonder who mark walked with ??????
  • XYZ (05/01/2020, 13:15) Like (6) Dislike (12) Reply
    WHERE IS MYRON
    • Damn (05/01/2020, 16:03) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
      wow! why us that your business?
      • HELLO!! (05/01/2020, 19:05) Like (37) Dislike (5) Reply
        I was wondering the same thing like why this happy looking couple on their wedding day you come post the ppl business on ur news site.. yall ppl round here pity yo

        Yeah M mhenn congrats big dawg #EMPIRE8 TURN UP WHEN YOU TOUCH BACK DOWN
  • Pic2 (05/01/2020, 13:16) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    The newly weds flanked by their political guests. Wow.
  • lol (05/01/2020, 13:19) Like (26) Dislike (4) Reply
    action man gone home meh boy
  • Nice (05/01/2020, 13:25) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Congrats to Mr & Mrs Penn.
  • Funny (05/01/2020, 14:42) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
    Reunion of NDP 1 and 2, funny stuff.
  • long look me come from (05/01/2020, 14:57) Like (10) Dislike (18) Reply
    At least they both from here so that’s a plus
    • East Side (06/01/2020, 21:20) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
      That lady was born in st Vincent and the grenadines and grow up here so she is not from here
  • robocop (05/01/2020, 15:14) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
    Yea to the Smurfs clap clap clap.
  • Peaches (05/01/2020, 15:14) Like (35) Dislike (5) Reply
    Marlon why you took so long? Joy is such a beautiful, intelligent woman. Hold fast, hold tight.

    What God has joined together let no man or woman put assunder. Remain faithful to each other, but most importantly to God.

    CONGRATULATIONS!!
    • @PEACHES (05/01/2020, 17:15) Like (14) Dislike (9) Reply
      You sounding good but far from reality. Congrats.
      • Peaches (05/01/2020, 17:39) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
        Why are you 'washing up' your mouth on the people them marriage! You sound like a hater!!!
    • @Peaches. His family (06/01/2020, 06:35) Like (5) Dislike (11) Reply

      God don't sleep... My Island women.. U have tried. U have done your best. Don't stress. God don't sleep..

      • Peaches (06/01/2020, 17:25) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
        Sorry to hear that, but in the end a man will always chose who he loves. I love to see two BVIslanders together. Your family will get over it. Joy wearing the ring now and she deserves it!!
      • ?? (06/01/2020, 18:27) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
        Nice,beautiul...aren' t they the ones moeing up and down in the clubs bars and streets and procreating for tom dick and Harry in every corner they go?
        ,Your definiton does not jive with reality.
        Nasty diutty nasty is what and no,no wifey material for real and worthy men .
      • hp (07/01/2020, 01:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Yeahm step into the strip clubs see how they trying their best,walk the streets and allies at night half naked tryin their best...paying taxi drivers with tryin their best...they will never be good enough for a quality man. Dem ga cuss.
  • Quiet Rebel (05/01/2020, 15:33) Like (8) Dislike (18) Reply
    I wish them well they are nice people however I hope smurf is not getting any ideas about being Premier
    • @Quiet Rebel (05/01/2020, 17:18) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      NDP is officially famous for grandstanding. Congrats at least it finally in favor.
      • .... (05/01/2020, 18:04) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        Are you trying to call it a lifekess status wedding? Let’s congratulate them and move along. I went one wedding and the bride never smile one bit.
    • Quiet Rebel(Authentic) (07/01/2020, 07:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      This person is an impostor; he/she is not the original/authentic Quiet Rebel. I wish the couple well but disassociate myself from the rest of the post.
  • Eagle Eye (05/01/2020, 16:49) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well you know Mark aint carrying no sand to his beach.
  • You looking thing to talk (05/01/2020, 17:02) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The honorable got married the man has a private life to, you here talking foolishness about Myron. Please get with it vino. Time to move pass this mess and carry a good message. This is 2020 stop living your pass and reach for the future.
  • Punta (05/01/2020, 17:19) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    Who would invite mark to they wedding. Look he the happiest. Welsah.
  • huh (05/01/2020, 19:24) Like (9) Dislike (8) Reply
    I could imagine how that vincy gyal and that santo woman feeling now meh boi
    • Well (05/01/2020, 23:26) Like (7) Dislike (15) Reply
      @huh, like two fools. LMAO, did they really think they were going to be wifey material? There is no way he was going to marry an outsider. Those two might just be the next elected Premier and First Lady. I like her and she has a First Lady look.
      • @Well (05/01/2020, 23:59) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply

        With all intelligence, common sense would tell no trophy here not one. They know exactly what they get into. Business as usual and probably good sneaky. Vincy, DR, Trini JA BVI they done accustom. All you want ring take ring. These be the first one to strip on social media. No Michelle barack Obama. Smurf people would believe yuh more if you marry someone else.

    • @HUH (06/01/2020, 18:17) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      More than likely they are used to being used and will be just fine.
      That is how they get through life, as seconds,second hand and running from pillar to post.
      But, you know that.
  • Times (05/01/2020, 21:47) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Beautiful couple! Congratulations, so happy for both of them!
  • Fashion Popo (05/01/2020, 21:54) Like (10) Dislike (13) Reply
    That white gown should be a mother of a bride dress or a mid age wedding. Jewel hot but black and white ? Pin up in weave is a no no unless going in water. Bouquet is lovely. Groom is overdress. Pickerings and Alvera look nice. It look like an old and groovy affair. Setting is beautiful. DR is beautiful but dark skin people inferior to them. Mark for the win. Happiest man in DR. What counts is the vows. Congratulations Marlon and Joy.
  • Leftfield (05/01/2020, 22:07) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    Don’t know if I am the only one who thinks that this article is distasteful. De people them got married and invited their friends. Why is this a political story
  • Thinking (05/01/2020, 22:08) Like (4) Dislike (9) Reply
    If we had BVI Airways we coulda charter back. Thanks to the VIP tho we now have straight flights to Santo!
  • wow (05/01/2020, 22:41) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    @huh. Is money to match money and education to match education. Soooo therefore.shhhh
  • I will say (05/01/2020, 23:49) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    BVI’s new golden couple.
  • Hmm (06/01/2020, 00:51) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply

    Vincy, a Santo, and a Jammy sad .

  • Guyanese (06/01/2020, 02:44) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply

    How come I in see Shawn. I guess because Myron Walwyn is not there.

    • Concerned (06/01/2020, 05:50) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply

      He done dump Myron. He only associates with people who is in power.

      • please (06/01/2020, 08:41) Like (6) Dislike (12) Reply
        Myron is done in the Political game. If he was married to a local, he would have gotten very far in the Political game. Only local women will carry the First Lady Title.
        • @ please (06/01/2020, 11:36) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
          We had an Anguillan with it for 12 years so for sure we were not going to no vincy to be we First Lady

          So go smoke that
      • Reply (06/01/2020, 10:33) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        Myron planning a come back so Marlon look out!!!
    • Old news (06/01/2020, 08:17) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
      Myron is no longer part of the in crowd. Andddd, if you are a local boy and you marry an outsider you will get SHUNNED.
  • Women (06/01/2020, 06:28) Like (100) Dislike (5) Reply

    When will we ever learn... Xpat women are beautiful, sweet, can do everything in the house in the Bd... Seems like just been an xpat is a disadvantage.. To add no big paying job... Get real leave these tola men alone don't waste your time energy and body....

    • Huh??? (06/01/2020, 14:29) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply

      This man and this woman ain't been dating for donkey years and have an offspring???? 

      • @huh??? (06/01/2020, 15:01) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
        The bride knows and the groom knows what they sign up for. They will all continue to accommodate it.
    • @Expat (06/01/2020, 16:14) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
      Expat women are strong. The things some local women will endure the expat woman will not. Strong is the new intelligence. Don’t feel any way.
    • learn (06/01/2020, 17:16) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
      That is life, Some things in life are to be used and discarded xxx.
      Some things are to be honored, respected and cherished.
      That is how life goes.
      The problem happens when you try to take garbage and make it what it can never become.

    • @women (06/01/2020, 18:47) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      They "love" you like they love souse or pizza or hot dog.

      But you are not caviar or champagne,not even to your own country men or to yourselves,.
  • Myo (06/01/2020, 09:02) Like (52) Dislike (4) Reply
    From the comments, it's so sad some of our people will never change. Why is it vino
    Business why this couple had a destination
    Wedding? It's their right to marry where they feel. They politely ask that nothing be put on fb etc until they were ready but nooo, some crook to
    The wedding had to send pictures and names to vino. Why does everything in this country
    Has to be political? Give me a break man! Ok, it's on vino., just congratulate the people but nooo, some of you all had to go politically and otherwise. Allu need find Jesus., sickening now man!
    • exacto @ Myo (06/01/2020, 10:06) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply
      It is clear that their enemy was invited to the wedding and disclosed the photos. This is their personal business. They marry where they want and invite who they want. May God help us all because the hate is real.
      • Nunez (06/01/2020, 11:25) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

        It unfortunate they make such horrible photos get out. It come like entertainment news. The real enemy are all who coax them into marriage. 

      • I would agree (06/01/2020, 15:50) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
        Someone at the wedding took and send the pictures to VINO. When my friend got married, the guest had to put their phones in a lock box, she was not having anyone take pictures but the photographer.
  • take that (06/01/2020, 09:22) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
    The only thing you non local women is going to
    get from the men in Politics in the BVI is a booty call. Why demean yourselves like that.
    • @take that (06/01/2020, 10:03) Like (23) Dislike (8) Reply
      I would take a booty call over a cheating and disrespectful husband any day. The real demeaning is in the marital house dumbo.
      • @takethat (06/01/2020, 15:31) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply

         You sound like you a well experienced side chick. Get an education. 

      • Women (06/01/2020, 18:12) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
        These expat women must understand and accept the reality. They are used and discarded because they present themselves as usable and discardible.Every woman comes with a vjj but how about personality,education character ,etc..Even if not uipersonally who is selling and entertaining and advertising your wares,most women from your country are here on the daily as merchandise. Allyo have a reputation and with living evidence as having little morals or value and it follows you so be vex and have a talk withyour country sisters and look.listen and learn fom real ladies to be better and I feel for the children ,all the baby daddies...the first two births of 2020 in the VI are examples...sad and nothing to be proud about .
  • Vip politicians (06/01/2020, 10:34) Like (16) Dislike (4) Reply
    Lot of you just jealous you were not invited
  • rewrsdffds (06/01/2020, 10:40) Like (7) Dislike (8) Reply
    @ fashion popo. Youre so right. I said the samething. For a beach setting the groom over dress and needed some different colors. The bride real fashion. Jewel aint cut it. Dont like the color of the dress plus her hair.. they shouldnt allow anyone to take pictures. Let the photographer take pictures. Some people just take picture and post them any old how.....the person who chose their out fit wicked.
    • EVERYONE (06/01/2020, 13:11) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
      Was overdress for a beach/destination wedding. Keeping it real, jewel look like she was going to a backyard barbecue. Her hair was wack. She need to hire a stylist because she has no fashion statement. It might work for the Island’s but no where else.
  • Stupezz (06/01/2020, 10:41) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    If Marlon wasn’t from here I would have said he did it for the papers.
  • joe (06/01/2020, 12:31) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply

    Poor bride going read bout.....

  • Well joe (06/01/2020, 13:19) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply

    We all know nothing is a secret in this place. 

  • GoonSquad (06/01/2020, 15:09) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    A bunch of haters and jealous people on here. Thank God for the positive ones. Bunch of cowards. Bet none of you negative bloggers will meet Joy or Marlon and voice your negative opinions. Nothing but Satan sidekicks.
    • @GoodSquad (06/01/2020, 16:11) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      With all due respect the blogs do not lie all the time. We live in a secretive society why so many unsolved murders. Getting married is no difference. Disgrace or no disgrace. The newlyweds should be thanking the public for information sharing or keep them business off the news.
  • Hmm (06/01/2020, 15:27) Like (5) Dislike (8) Reply
    Tolians really sick ppl. Irrelevant statements. Anyways congrats to the newly weds!
  • Clintons (06/01/2020, 15:34) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply

    I say leave people business alone. They all know what they doing and should keep this mess off the news.

  • distasteful (06/01/2020, 15:37) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    No where in this article is there a congratulations. The man does have a life outside of POLITICS!
    • Peaches (06/01/2020, 17:43) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply

      I congratulated them. All the rest are haters! 

      • @PEACHES (06/01/2020, 18:41) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
        Beauty does not equate to fake eye lash, over penciled eyebrow, weave, make up, wearing belly ring, foot chains and a bad attitude. Foot chain where I come from is a trademark of prostitution. Brains is using beyond book sense. A qualifier for a top job in BVI is a degree and being born here. Nonetheless it no one business how anyone live or who they with.
  • Jane (06/01/2020, 15:41) Like (16) Dislike (5) Reply
    Good to see such a prominent local family supporting BVI tourism and hospitality by celebrating their nuptials here in Nature's Little Secrets...oh wait, what!
    • @Jane (06/01/2020, 16:42) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      I going listen to some music. I no able. This too much drama to take on.
  • Rainy Day (06/01/2020, 16:04) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply

    Marlon and Joy, do enjoy your lives together. Pray together each day and God will bless your union.

    Remember folks in this country try their best to bring you down, but don't let them. The happiness or your faces are tangible. Carry that wonderful feeling on into the future in this a new decade.

  • Making his move (06/01/2020, 16:32) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    Dude know why he got hitched, he is going to make a run for Premiership. Watch the action between him and Mitch. Marlon Premier, Mitch, Deputy Premier. Remember a few months ago there was talk about a new party forming? Okay now.
    • @ making his move (06/01/2020, 17:52) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Please keep dreaming! Premier where in Nevis? What is the difference between Marlon and Dr Smith?
  • Coolaid (06/01/2020, 18:15) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    In times of a moments many a thousand likes on Facebook. Where dem is nobody don’t read news. People don’t really like her attitude but wish them well. The most disrespect post seen is the smirk to Honourable Oneal funeral. There a time and place for everything and this wedding should not be news.
  • People (06/01/2020, 18:39) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    Marriage is no different than a business...You choose with care your partner based on solid qualities that would last and contribute to success. Apartner with little value in character,morality and finances or ability would be a poor choice. You want to be respected and climb a ladder of success so picking wisely is important. It is your life..do or die.
  • The thing is (06/01/2020, 19:43) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
    Who would want to mess with his short behind. And who would want to mess with a man that have more hips than a woman.
  • Not2Sure (06/01/2020, 21:22) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    Congratulations to the bvi power couple, let the haters eat sand
    • rock cit (06/01/2020, 22:45) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      same thing I does be saying, the BVI is small there will always be hate and jealousy
  • stupid (06/01/2020, 23:00) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Left " NATURE's little secret " to support and host a wedding in a place that sees them all as Monkeys . (dark skin)
  • pat (07/01/2020, 06:07) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why some of you all in the people them business? They can merry wherever they want!
  • Laura (07/01/2020, 06:14) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    WOW WOW WOW! This should never have been in the news...it is sad to read some of these comments...what should be a beginning filled with joy and jubilation, instead is seething with jealousy and callous talk..come on BVI WE better than this surely...CONGRATULATIONS to the newly weds, may your marriage be filed with love and hope!
  • To get married (07/01/2020, 09:49) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Big boy move
  • yikes (07/01/2020, 11:17) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    Guess he done chasing the jam down girl orrrrr maybe for now
  • ndp (07/01/2020, 12:05) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    says alot about those politicians ,,spending all that money there, and claim they love the BVI
    • Des (13/01/2020, 09:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      look at the locals' behavior, they nuh muss? But maybe Marlon caused this on himself?
  • Joyce M (07/01/2020, 14:06) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Congratulations. Two very nice people, I wish them God’s blessings. So happy for both of them.
  • Proud Belonger (07/01/2020, 19:11) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    Congratulations Joy Francis, now Mrs. Penn, from your family in St. Thomas, all proud Belongers of the BVI! You were a beautiful bride and are an accomplished and well educated woman with an exceptional future ahead of you. May you and your husband, the honorable Marlon Penn, have a loving and lasting union!
  • Happy (07/01/2020, 21:38) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    She has waited a long time for this moment.
  • Des (13/01/2020, 09:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I love groom's white tie on white shirt. Congrats!


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.