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‘I support the people to civil unrest’- Hon Marlon A. Penn

- said like the Great March of 1949, it can bring results
In a jaw-dropping response to a question from a reporter at an Opposition Press Conference on October 28, 2020, Leader of the Opposition Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8), centre, said he supports civil unrest against the Government of the Virgin Islands over the tourism protocols which he has labelled as impractical. Photo: Facebook
Opposition Member and Second District Representative, Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull says he has no opposition to a march on the elected government by the people. Photo: Facebook
Opposition Member and Second District Representative, Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull says he has no opposition to a march on the elected government by the people. Photo: Facebook
Veteran politician and Opposition Member Honourable Julian Fraser RA, was not convinced of any march against government taking place as he said he was confident Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) would listen to the people and address their concerns where possible. Photo: Facebook
Veteran politician and Opposition Member Honourable Julian Fraser RA, was not convinced of any march against government taking place as he said he was confident Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) would listen to the people and address their concerns where possible. Photo: Facebook
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has already said he would continue to listen to the people and see what adjustments could be made to the tourism protocols following advice from the technical and medical experts. Photo: Facebook/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has already said he would continue to listen to the people and see what adjustments could be made to the tourism protocols following advice from the technical and medical experts. Photo: Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In a jaw-dropping response, Leader of the Opposition Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) has said he supports civil unrest against the Government of the Virgin Islands over the tourism protocols which he has labelled as impractical.

At a press conference called by the Opposition on October 28, 2020, the question was asked by a reporter: “A few persons would have taken to social media stating that they may be forced to take a stance against Government’s recent decisions on tourism by taking a march on the streets of the territory. What are your thoughts as it relates to that?”

Following a response from Opposition Member Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), who was in favour of a march against the elected Government, Hon Penn referred to the Great March of 1949, although he erred about the cause, stating that it was for Wickham’s Cay.

"The people of the territory, and my colleague [Hon Turnbull] is accurately right, is their right, and do it in a responsible, and people have always done that. In the 1949 march that brought, it was a march against the Government actually, that we dealt with the issue of Wickham’s Cay and where the Government of the day that dealt with the Wickham’s Cay issue. People marched to the Government and had that resolution where it came back to the people of this territory."

The Great March of 1949 was actually against the neglect of the Virgin Islands by the British Empire and brought about constitutional changes while the controversial Bates-Hill Agreement that involved a 199-year lease of Wickham’s Cay and a section of Anegada saw the formation of the Positive Action Movement in 1968 that forced the local government to change its decision.

‘Civil unrest’

But, according to Hon Penn, the Great March of 1949 saw the people exercise their power.

“So I support the people. I will say publicly I support the people to civil, what do you say, civil unrest,” Honourable Penn controversially stated.

According to the Opposition Leader, the people have a right to express their dissatisfaction via a march on Government if alternatives have failed.

“If the people have a concern in terms of the issue of the day that we need to have transparency, then go to the Government. The business community went through a process where they had a petition, they were responsible in their approach, they wrote to the Government and expressed their concerns in terms of what is happening in the business community and they were able to get a meeting with the Government, even if the government didn’t listen to them, but the fact [is] that they had an opportunity. To have a meeting with the Government is the right of the people,” Hon Penn stated.

‘No opposition to march on Gov’t’- Hon Turnbull

Honourable Turnbull had earlier stated that he believes the people are the Government and they have a right to march.

“So if that is the feeling of the people, they have the power, the power is not to be relinquished after they vote for persons on election day, the power still lies with the people.

“The people have a right to demand from Government and their elected representative what they want to see happen for their best interest, so if that is the approach that they want to take because they feel dissatisfied with the lack of information and transparency that this Government is continuing to portrait and demonstrate then they have the right to do so, so I have no opposition to that measure or that call,” Hon Turnbull stated.

No march will happen- Hon Fraser

Meanwhile, veteran politician and Opposition Member Honourable Julian Fraser RA, was not convinced of any march against the government taking place as he said he was confident Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) would listen to the people and address their concerns where possible.

“I am confident that we will never get to that point. I am confident. I know the premier will do whatever he has to do,” Hon Fraser said, adding that the Opposition sees the tourism protocols as “onerous and unrealistic and if the people feel the same way, and the premier is hearing it, I am sure he will make the adjustments that are necessary.”

Premier Fahie has already said he would continue to listen to the people and see what adjustments could be made following advice from the technical and medical experts.

This includes the 8th day PCR testing for tourists, which will be reviewed.

A press conference was called on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, to get questions and feedback from the media and the public alike and Premier Fahie has said his Government will continue to engage stakeholders as the Territory prepares to reopen to international visitors on December 1, 2020.

48 Responses to “‘I support the people to civil unrest’- Hon Marlon A. Penn”

  • Byee (29/10/2020, 11:35) Like (34) Dislike (3) Reply
    The opposition side is such a shame on our territory. They haven’t even contributed or came up with a plan with reopening the territory. 4 Jokers, Marlon just talking no actions all he doing is reading off of funny man walwyn script, Mitch abandoned his district and is a rude little whisk you see him there, Julian just time for him to retire and go Adina Donovan home, Mark gone MIA don’t see nor hear from him...
    • D2 citizen (29/10/2020, 12:02) Like (32) Dislike (5) Reply
      Mitch need to go honestly. He just taking up space and opportunity he needs to get back in the church
    • ASAP (29/10/2020, 12:03) Like (28) Dislike (43) Reply
      We Need somebody like Cindy Jones on the opposition a strong black outspoken woman. These boys are behind
      • @ASAP (29/10/2020, 13:19) Like (7) Dislike (12) Reply
        Cindy will have them walking on egg shells. The thing I like about Cindy, she is going to stand up and say what she has to say. Maybe they should put her in MARK’S SPOT. MARK WENT GHOST A LONG TIME AGO.
      • Really! (29/10/2020, 14:15) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
        You disagreeing with their stance and suggesting we vote for someone who far worse than them. AS far as I am concerned, Cindy is an empty vessel who is no different than the current members of the Opposition. Loud talk with no common sense.
        • @Really! (29/10/2020, 19:11) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
          Say what you want about Cindy, love her hate her, but one thing for sure, she have some gorgeous legs. Also, KI.... Penn have gorgeous eyes.
    • @Byee (29/10/2020, 14:12) Like (26) Dislike (3) Reply
      The opposition came up with a plan months ago and the Premier didn't even breath them. They are elected officials and they should be apart of the COVID strategy for the Territory. Don't worry, 2023 may seem far but it's not, just remember that!
    • vi (30/10/2020, 05:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You and the government
    • tzrtrzrzr (03/11/2020, 22:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  • We in trouble (29/10/2020, 11:35) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    No need for that,. The Premier and the Honorable Minister of health agreed to look at the plan and make some adjustments,. So here is your opportunity to give your suggestions to the plan...Use it..
  • Blah Blah (29/10/2020, 11:36) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    Three little pigs, what a waste...
    • HAHA (29/10/2020, 11:54) Like (26) Dislike (3) Reply
      Your comment made me laugh so happy Alvera jumped ships from around them momo’s and Mark look like he trying to cross the water too.
      • usa (29/10/2020, 13:11) Like (20) Dislike (3) Reply
        PEOPLE OF THE BVI YOU MIGHT NOT AGREE WITH YOUR LEADER BUT HE IS LOOKING OUT FOR EVERYONE. TAKE A LOOK OF WHAT IS TAKING PLACE ALL OVER IT ONLY TAKE ONE PERSON TO COME IN AND TURN WHAT YOU ALL DONE UPSIDE DOWN BE VERY CAREFUL. LET ME SAY INSTEAD OF CALLING DOWN YOUR LEADER GET WITH HIM AND HELP HIM YOU MR PENN YOU ARE THERE BY THE VOTERS HELP PROTECT THEM ONE PERSON CANNOT BE BLAMEYOU ALL HAVE A PART TO PLAY STAY SAFE AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT TO PROTECT EACH OTHER.
  • bobby (29/10/2020, 11:36) Like (6) Dislike (26) Reply
    Wish Myron was on the opposition, opposition side so weak.
    • To Bobby (29/10/2020, 11:56) Like (23) Dislike (15) Reply
      Which Myron? Not that down islander, you mean you wish he would go home and stop trying to poke his nose in the government business his time in politics is done
      • @ to bobby (29/10/2020, 12:24) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
        Funny man don’t think so he love power and want to come back
      • born here (29/10/2020, 15:31) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
        Myron was born here. Get your facts straight. He only grew up somewhere else.
  • hmm (29/10/2020, 11:37) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    Marlon really think he will ever be on the face of the Virgin Islands as Premier? Tell him continue to dream he’s a dreamer
  • Good Fellow (29/10/2020, 11:38) Like (32) Dislike (12) Reply
    He asking the ppl to Riot like in the State. Shame on u opposition leader.
    • agree 100% (29/10/2020, 11:52) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
      Shame on our opposition leader ...He is a fat joke. And is one cheeseburger away from obese. Literally
    • To good fellow (29/10/2020, 12:06) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
      Marlon wasn’t even born in those time 1949
  • east (29/10/2020, 11:39) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
    Somebody need to set Mika Barry on these three fools Turnbull, Fraser and Penn. she will set them straight
  • So, So, Sad (29/10/2020, 11:41) Like (15) Dislike (7) Reply
    St Johns, and St Thomas already booked out since the Septic plan from the BVI announced.... Antigua and Anguilla already booked out since that Bad Vomit plan came out in SK..So, one country messed up is good for another country ...It's almost too late now to re coop..
  • Xxx (29/10/2020, 11:44) Like (22) Dislike (5) Reply
    And this is the man who wants to be premier? Never Marlon dead as a rat
  • mark my words (29/10/2020, 11:44) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is mark in all this ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
  • Crack on rock (29/10/2020, 11:46) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr penn you need to go on a treadmill, Julian go find a barber and Mitch hold it down with the smoking. Pure losers
    • Lawddddd (29/10/2020, 12:01) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      This one make me fall buddy but true Julian fraser need to do something about that hair.
    • woii (29/10/2020, 12:05) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply

      He just lost his soul when he joined politics

    • @Crack on the rock (29/10/2020, 16:15) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      I live in D2 and I will be going to my reliable source on this one. If it is crack on the rocks time, he lost a vote from me.
  • east end (29/10/2020, 11:52) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    SOME BODY TELL MARLON GO AND SIT DOWN STOP MAKING TROUBLE COULD YOU DO BETTER THAN WHAT THE VIP IS DOING YOU EVEN CABBOT R/// SO GOOD IF YOU SEE AN E YOU MUGHT SAY IT IS A F WITH THE PIECE OF IT CHOP OFF/ PENN STOP THE EDITNESS AND WORK WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO HELP HEAL THE PLACE INSTEAD OF JUST MAKING NEGATIVE COMMENTS YOU DO NOT KNOW THE FIRST STEP IN HOLDING A PREMIER POSITION YOU MAY GOT TO GET FRASERTO HELP YOU AMD AS FOR HE HE NEED TO KEEP MARLON FAR BECAUSE HE HELP TO ALMOST KILL HIM IN THE LAST ELECTION AND THE ONE BEFORE, BETTER FRASER WAS THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION A BETTER JOB WOULD BE DONE SO WJERE IS MARK CAN YOU NOT SEE HE DOES NOT WANT ANY THING YO DO WITH YOU AS THE HEAD OF THE OPPOSITION mARLON GO ASIDE AND LEARN SENSE BECAUSE SENSE IS GOING TO LEARN YOU SOON SOON WE DP NOT WANT NO MARCH STOP MAKING CONFUSION
  • 3 Stooges (29/10/2020, 12:00) Like (63) Dislike (2) Reply
    So we now have the 3 stooges instigating a march.

    Mo to the head as opposition who is saying that what the government is doing is not practical. My question to him is what is practical, a dead man or a living man?

    Larry is preaching "MARCH" and my question to him is march to go weh? Mehson go march you rass home go sit down from talking nonsense and pray that non of your family much less no one from your district catches the virus because it is real.

    Curly with the parted hairstyle like he in la la land. Soon he will come to the conclusion that the world is flat and maybe that is why the new hairstyle is to instigate. Divide and conquer!

    Listen, the BVI is no different to the world facing Covid. Anyone who wants to visit the BVI is free to do so as long as they follow the protocols. Since when do we as a people study what the visitors have in their pockets and what they can afford? We just want them to spend when they get there who can afford it. Creep before we walk and run because Covid standing by.

  • Windy (29/10/2020, 12:26) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not a man going follow them marching not even funny man as desperate as he is to get his hands back on treasury
  • mercy (29/10/2020, 12:35) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look at these three blind mice. Mark is too mature, responsible and level headed to even be a part of this.
  • One plan is Bad (29/10/2020, 12:40) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need more than one plan. Those coming from hot spots...Need more monitoring than those coming from low risk countries... We need a plan for Citizens and residents .. We need another plan for Yachters...We need a plan for low risk countries....We can do These plans simple, safely and effective...
  • Idiot (29/10/2020, 12:56) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    When nDP was doing worse they should encourage March too
  • 1st District (29/10/2020, 13:00) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
    It's not about the three stooges, it's about TRANSPARENCY, HONESTY AND RESPECT!! THE DARM GOVERNMENT HAS NO RESPECT AND THOUGHT ABOUT US. WE HAVE BEEN HAD AGAIN AND WE ARE READY TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD. FROM COXHEATH (GARBAGE DUMP) DOWN WE LOOK TERRIBLE. MAY THE RIGHT HONORABLE H.L STOUTT SHAKE IN HIS GRAVE FOR HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS OUR COMMANDER IN CHIEF THEN. WE ARE A VITAL AREA OF TOURISM AND THE NEW COMMANDER HOME GROUND!! HEMERAGIC DENGUE WILL KILL US BEFORE COVID!! STOP THE CRAP, TOO MUCH DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE AND WE CANNOT REWIND THE CLOCK.
    • @ 1st District (30/10/2020, 10:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Since when Covid had respect?????????????? Go cart you poop hole some where in a corner and catch some fresh air please.
  • Hold it (29/10/2020, 14:04) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    We need a plan to make a plan to plan. Yuh caan see. Babylon the Great drunk with the wine of her fornication.
  • my 2 cents (29/10/2020, 15:08) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why he did not march on the 7.2 mill plane money or the 1.6 m on the corrupt wall or when he let his 8 m for sweage go to the corrupt Tortola pier project ????? With a 50 m overrun?

    I am disappointed in this fat boy from the 8 district
  • from buckingham palace (29/10/2020, 15:51) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    NO Honourable Marlon/
    I do not support civil unrest or any challenge towards those in autjhority.
    You must show me the Constitution and show me the law, that say so.
    The people have spoken and they have voted
    We will decide on civil voting on election day.
    Whether to vote you or vote back andrew.
    There will be NO CIVIL UNREST.
  • Norris Turnbull (29/10/2020, 16:18) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    When you go to the House, go with facts before opening your mouths.
  • hog city (29/10/2020, 19:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    frazer is the wise one in the room
  • Observer (29/10/2020, 22:49) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mr. Commissioner of police why have you not taken Marlon into custody. He is inciting the people of the BVI to riot which is an offence.
  • Hedrie Bay (30/10/2020, 00:00) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Honourable Myron Walwyn and some others have asked the we learn to Live with Covid.
    It isnt going any where..

    Is this 4 day part curfew or wah ever yuh call it part of our living with covid?????
    Stuuuupsssse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Dancing in the sunshine (30/10/2020, 05:17) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    I personally thinks the opposition is talking emptiness. First of all I wonder where the priorities of the opposition lies. Is it that they are looking to make money for their respective business friends or partners? Well if that is the case then they need to consider another aspect of the debate. Do we have enough space at the hospital or the morgue to hold sick and dead people. These are mitigating factors to consider. This same opposition will will be calling on the government to assist if there is a massive outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.

    I am not a supporter of the VIP or the Premier. However, as a resident of this territory I look very broadly for the less unfortunate. As the Israelites rebelled against Moses and Aron after they were freed from Pharaoh in Egypt, so too the opposition is expressing its ingratitude after the territory is spared the brunt of the virus and the hurricane season. God is not asleep and He sees what is taking place. When we are ungrateful, He reminds us that He provides and and He takes away.
  • GG (30/10/2020, 08:40) Like (71) Dislike (1) Reply
    All of you talking nobody make mention of Hon Frazer hairstyle...


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