Leader of the Opposition and Deputy Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), second from right, is lamenting the absence of a Public Accounts Committee of the House of Assembly (HoA). Photo: VINO

When the First Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) is held today, Thursday, November 14, 2019, a Motion will be moved to approve the Members named to the Public Accounts Committee. Photo: VINO/File

Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) is expected to move a motion for the establishment of the Standing Select Committee known as the Public Accounts Committee at today's November 14, 2019, First Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly. Photo: VINO/File

In the first of what was announced would be a monthly series of press conferences yesterday, November 13, 2019, Hon Penn said even as the Opposition Members have been pushing to ensure the PAC is established, it continues to be missing from the HoA Order Paper. 

Present at the press conference held at the Office of the House of Assembly were Opposition Members Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3), Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6) and Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4).

Establishing the PAC

"This very important institution at the House of Assembly must function in order to provide the necessary checks and balances for the Executive so that we can uphold the tenants of accountability, transparency, and good governance that democracy requires."  

Hon Penn added that following a letter to the Premier on the issue and two amendments to the Order Paper, the PAC was still not present, however, he noted that for the First Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly scheduled for Today, November 14, 2019, the item may be present.

According to the Order Paper released November 13, 2019, the Premier and Minister of Finance is to move the following motion at today's sitting: "WHEREAS, it is provided under Standing Order 72 that there shall be a Standing Select Committee known as the Public Accounts Committee."

The Members of the PAC would be Hon Marlon A. Penn- Chairman, Hon Julian Fraser RA, Hon Neville A. Smith (AL) and Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2).

Hon Penn said the aim of the Opposition is to get the PAC formulated so that the work of the people of the Virgin Islands can be carried out.

Penn silent under NDP 

Throughout its eight years in office, the Dr D Orlando Smith led NDP had been accused of lacking accountability and transparency with its governance of the territory.

While serving in the capacity of Junior Minister with responsibility for Trade and Investment in addition to the post of Health and Social Development, Mr Penn has had a history of being silent amidst financial accountability issues under his government.

Further, Hon Penn left office with one of his colleagues, Myron V. Walwyn, under police investigation over a wall constructed around the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) with a price tag of $1.6M and there is also $7.2M still missing from the now-defunct BVI Airways deal initiated by the NDP, a matter now before the courts.

Amidst his history and the past controversies of the NDP, Hon Penn, as the Leader of the Opposition, is now positioning himself as the poster-boy for accountability and good governance.