News
Gov’t owes millions to vendors; Delays unacceptable- Hon Penn
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— A heated exchange erupted in the House of Assembly (HoA) on June 5, 2025, as Opposition Member Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) raised the alarm over a ballooning fiscal deficit and the government's mounting unpaid bills to vendors, questioning whether the Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), is taking the situation seriously enough.
Reintroduce task-force to tackle 'large' illegal immigrant population in VI- Hon Penn
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— Opposition Member of the House of Assembly (HoA) Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) has called for the re-establishment of a dedicated task force to tackle what he describes as “a large force of persons who are here illegally.”
Balance Int'l obligations with safeguarding rights & livelihoods- Hon Penn
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Member for the Eighth District in the House of Assembly (HoA) Honourable Marlon A. Penn is of the view that while there's need for the Territory to adhere to fulfilling international maritime obligations, legislators must also strike a balance between safeguarding the rights, interests, and livelihoods of Virgin Islanders.
Hon Vincent O. Wheatley claps back @ criticisms by Hons Skelton & Penn
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has said the issues brought up by two former Health Ministers of the territory, Hons Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) and Marlon A. Penn (R8), now Members of the Opposition, are being addressed.
NDP & PVIM bury the hatchet; Reunite under NDP banner
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—In yet another seismic shift in the Virgin Islands’ political landscape, the National Democratic Party (NDP) and the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) have announced their reunification.
Hon Skelton was first choice for Asia Trade Mission- Premier
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—It was Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) who was originally invited to be part of the Virgin Islands Trade delegation to the Asia-Pacific region.
Hon Marlon A. Penn debunks reports he is making a political shift
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— Eighth District Representative and Opposition Member Honourable Marlon A. Penn has made it clear his recent trip to the Asia-Pacific Region with a delegation led by Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) was not an indication he is ready to cross the floor, reaffirming that his commitment remains with the people of the Virgin Islands rather than any particular party.
Proposed law enforcement merger not likely to happen- Hon Penn
FAT HOGS BAY, Tortola, VI—Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) of the National Democratic Party (NDP), in criticising the proposed merger of certain law enforcement agencies in the Virgin Islands (VI), said it is impractical and legally impossible without major legislative overhauls.
2 Opposition Members Penn & Smith will travel to Asia with Premier next week!
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D Wheatley (R7) will lead an Asia Trade Mission to Hong Kong, Macau and Malaysia beginning on February 14, 2025.
HoA's Committee proceedings being public will be good for Opposition- Hon Skelton
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—Public access to sessions of committee proceedings of the Virgin Islands House of Assembly (HoA) would enhance transparency, accountability, and provide a better public understanding of legislative processes.

