Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has said the position of the Virgin Islands (VI) Constitution Negotiating Team is not abstract but rooted in the lived realities of the people. Photo: YouTube

The second public engagement by the Constitution Negotiating Team took place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the Catholic Community Centre in Virgin Gorda. Photo: YouTube

Public engagements continue on Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29, in Jost van Dyke and Anegada respectively. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Hon Penn joined other members of the Virgin Islands (VI) Constitutional Negotiating Team for the second public engagement in Virgin Gorda on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, ahead of negotiations with the United Kingdom (UK). 

He said the 2007 Constitution Order represented a major step forward in the VI’s journey of self-governance. “That document reflected the hopes, identity, and ambitions of our people. It was more than a legal framework; it was a statement of who we are and who we aspire to be. Nearly two decades later, the aspirations remain alive. They are not distant ideals; they are living expectations held by our people today.”

VI has 'risen to the occasion'

Penn added that whenever given the space to grow, to lead, and to shape our own path, the Virgin Islands has risen to the occasion. He cited the expansion of access to education, strengthening of infrastructure, the building of a resilient economy and the establishment of global industries in financial services and tourism as examples of this. 

“These achievements were not handed to us; they were built by vision, determination and ingenuity of our people.”

Hon Penn said that is why these upcoming negotiations matter so deeply.

“The positions put forth by the negotiating team are not abstract proposals. They are rooted in the lived realities and future ambitions of a Virgin Islands people. It represents a continuation of the journey that began long before 2007 and a commitment to ensure that our constitutional framework evolves in step with our development.”

I approach this process with optimism

“I am honoured to serve on this team, representing the people of the Eighth District and, by extension, the wider Virgin Islands community as Leader of the Opposition. I do so with colleagues from across the political spectrum, united by a shared responsibility to advocate for a constitution that truly reflects the will, dignity and potential of our people,” Penn said. 

The team, he continued, is preparing to engage the UK with clarity, purpose, respect, and also with confidence. “Confidence in who we are, confidence in what we achieved and confidence in what we are becoming.”

Hon Penn said these negotiations are not about governance structures but empowerment, accountability, and the future direction of the VI community, ensuring that the voice of the Virgin Islands’ people is not only heard, but meaningfully reflected in the constitutional arrangements that guide.

“I approach this process with optimism as I believe that true constructive dialogue and principled engagement can arrive at an outcome that honours our past, but positioning us for a stronger, more self-determined future.”

The Opposition Leader said, however, the road ahead requires unity, focus and resolve. 

“If history has taught us anything, [it] is that the people of the Virgin Islands are more than equal to the task.”