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Hon Lorna G. Smith accuses Hon Marlon A. Penn of being 'Sexist' over question!

Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), right, was asking the Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Hon Lorna G. Smith OBE (AL), left, about establishing a committee in the HoA on financial services when he was accused of asking a sexist question. Photo: Youtube
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The House of Assembly (HoA) got a little heated today September 5, 2023, during the Continuation of the Second Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth HoA.

It was during the Questions and Answers period that an exchange occurred between two legislators.

Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), whose National Democratic Party (NDP) only received three seats out of 13 seats following the just concluded 2023 general elections, was asking the Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Hon Lorna G. Smith OBE (AL) about establishing a committee in the HoA on financial services.

The Minister noted in her answer that she has "no intention of doing so." She said; however, that any member can bring to "my attention any matter on the financial services sector". 

Hon Penn then opined that the topic of Financial Services has always been treated in a bipartisan way and demanded of Minister Smith to say if her answer “was the position of the Premier”.

Sexist question?

To this, Minister Smith rose to her feet and asked if it was a sexist question.

Usually, in the Westminster system of Parliaments, when a Minister answers a question it represents the position of the Government.

It remains unclear why Hon Penn saw it fit to inquire if Minister Smith's answer represents that of the Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7).

38 Responses to “Hon Lorna G. Smith accuses Hon Marlon A. Penn of being 'Sexist' over question!”

  • Twin (05/09/2023, 16:38) Like (28) Dislike (21) Reply
    I am so tired of seeing and hearing Smurf
    • @Twin (05/09/2023, 17:58) Like (14) Dislike (13) Reply
      Most of us are saying the same thing. The word on the street about him is not good. Barry say ayo will hear.
    • Rhythm up.. (05/09/2023, 19:04) Like (32) Dislike (11) Reply
      Just answer the question I ain see nothing wrong with the question...That's a sexist cap out by the deputy. Lets suppose the said question was ask to a mail..Then what?
      • :) (06/09/2023, 11:23) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
        the MAIL would have reached the Post Office, lol lol lol .lol lol lol :D , and I hope it would be a MALE MAIL MAN WOULD DELIVER! LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL
  • lodger (05/09/2023, 16:44) Like (31) Dislike (31) Reply
    Thank you for your service to the bvi Lorna, you made the right choice the opposition is pure confusion
  • Slipup (05/09/2023, 17:06) Like (23) Dislike (15) Reply
    E mouf slip, that's all.
    Lorna in we corner sharp and alert!
  • Johny (05/09/2023, 17:19) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why you talking about Marlon you all put him in with a land slande so live with it
  • herbs power (05/09/2023, 17:28) Like (21) Dislike (22) Reply
    Keep the pressure on her cricket appearance self smurf. What else she expecting after backstabbing the opposition.
  • pat (05/09/2023, 17:39) Like (14) Dislike (21) Reply
    But Marlon can’t walk in Lorna shoes so this case is closed
    • Reply (05/09/2023, 20:10) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
      Poor Marlon like Alvin he will never see the premier seat
    • Marlon be a man please (07/09/2023, 04:41) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Marlon can't walk in nobody's shoes without his daddy Myron in his ear. Marlon needs to get his own identity from behaving like Myron...have you own mind nuh...be yourself nuh smurf. you look jokey always talking, and thinking like the Myron. what happen your own brain dont work. Myron have you feeling so incompetent that you now don't have confidence in your own cognitive ability? c'mon man...step out Myron shadow and become your own man/person because he's leading you down the wrong road.
  • Anonymous (05/09/2023, 17:43) Like (14) Dislike (8) Reply
    Marlon needs to Enjoy his retirement to the opposition
  • Youth (05/09/2023, 17:50) Like (15) Dislike (12) Reply
    Everyone with sense knows Marlon have no regard for women in power.
  • ————————— (05/09/2023, 17:51) Like (10) Dislike (17) Reply
    LOL! OMG, I can’t believe ugly Marlon taking on our deputy premier
  • NDP supporter (05/09/2023, 17:52) Like (14) Dislike (5) Reply
    The sooner my NDP removes from its leader, this waste of a time Marlon who has challenges with the truth, then and only then will my party move forward. Until then I will wait on the side & watch on.
  • facts (05/09/2023, 17:56) Like (24) Dislike (8) Reply
    Marlon had no respect for the late Delores. He double crossed her many times. He had no respect for Alvera. He caused her to leave the party. He have no respect for Lorna. She also left the party. What else do anyone need to know or see about this disrespectful mischiefmaker who has loss his way and needs help.
  • Here we go (05/09/2023, 17:57) Like (16) Dislike (5) Reply
    Marlon lived down by the Governor selling out his people hoping for power. He got no further than he is now. He is now singing for his freedom. Soon you all will hear.
    • @here we go (05/09/2023, 20:06) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      Don't forget Mitch and his pops and a few more of their family and friends. All their time will come.
  • time up (05/09/2023, 18:00) Like (14) Dislike (6) Reply
    If the people cannot see this man time is up then they are blind. Even Ronnie refused to work with him before the elections and after. He is a dangerous bad minded guy. He cannot be trusted.
  • lol (05/09/2023, 18:01) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
    Marlon said the Opposition are now shadow Ministers so let him do what shadows do and shut the hell up from going after all women in power.
  • D1 (05/09/2023, 18:04) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    When Marlon was the Minister of Health in that waste of time unity government he cancelled the order for the incinerator orders for all the islands. Those temporary ones would have done reach and functional until the permanent ones came. I will never forgive him for that wicked act. Some of the health issues of the people are on Marlon's hands.
  • Lollllll (05/09/2023, 18:35) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    This is what happen when you just read questions your friends give you.
  • Is Marlon for real? (05/09/2023, 18:36) Like (18) Dislike (5) Reply
    "Hon Penn then opined that the topic of Financial Services has always been treated in a bipartisan way and demanded of Minister Smith to say if her answer “was the position of the Premier”.
    Lorna should have asked Marlon if he had permission from the Leader of the Opposition to ask his questions in HOA as well as the follow up.
  • Proud of You (05/09/2023, 18:53) Like (28) Dislike (8) Reply
    They jealous of Lorna and her capability, she can handle herself and them. Continue to work for the BVI Minister, we are proud of you and support you all the way.
    • Sas (05/09/2023, 21:53) Like (4) Dislike (9) Reply
      Irna time is short Barry say you will hear she is not good for the country
      • Hmmmm (06/09/2023, 11:24) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        OK IAM but your fake self always in her face saying tge opposite, you ain't fooling no one
  • Citizen (05/09/2023, 21:25) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    marlon win easy unless she on that fire water then all bets are off
  • Observation (05/09/2023, 21:58) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    Why is it this the 2nd sitting of the House of assembly? It's been awhile now since the General Elections. Beginning to wonder if the Legislator's was on a long vacation or trying to avoid having to answer to the issues plaguing the territory.
  • Left house gone to the bay (05/09/2023, 23:58) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Marlon is a sick puppy what about his wife I wish them a happy marriage
  • Kermit the Frog (06/09/2023, 00:27) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    I am here sipping on my tea reminding all both Lorna, Marlon and many others including the last Governor still have to answer for the $8mill plane and money heist. It will not go away like all of you hoping.
  • Cassie (06/09/2023, 05:28) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
    Lorna not in youall corner you all si stupid and cant see the light......Barry say you will hear..
  • Disinterested (06/09/2023, 05:39) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    I’m not a fan of Hon Marlon Penn. He is often out of his depth; he is Peter principled. Acts like a cowboy but is not . If one aspires and yearns for the top leadership, one should at understand the parliamentary procedures. Nevertheless, this blow up with Hon Lorna Smith is raising a storm in a tea cup.
    • B (06/09/2023, 08:52) Like (13) Dislike (7) Reply
      Don't understand what the noise is about, it was a perfectly good question to which she threw up a smoke screen, and everyone is diving into there corners it her job to answer when asked instead of going to hide in the corner.
  • Lb (06/09/2023, 09:40) Like (15) Dislike (11) Reply
    Not a darned thing is even remotely sexist about that question! A guilty conscience needs no accuser. This woman has a gripe against men being in power higher than her. So she don’t feel the need to defer to Sowande on a question like this. That is why she took offense! Marlon asked a simple question that has nothing to do with male or female!
    • @Lb (06/09/2023, 10:46) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      She is the minister with responsibility for the subject - the question was hers to answer, not the Premier's. Does Hon. Penn ask the same question of the other subject ministers?
      • @ @lb (06/09/2023, 17:34) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
        And what does that have to do with any darned gender??? Not a thing! Even if the question is her portfolio they are allllll the Premier’s portfolio! You could be the manager and I ask to speak to the Director who is above you. Has nothing to do with your gender. She only feel some type of way because she have a problem with any man being in power above her. She is the one who is demonstrably sexist!
  • Citizen (06/09/2023, 10:01) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Interesting! Maybe our department of gender affairs could pick up on this


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