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'It's an abuse of power'- Hon Penn on Q&A segment pushed back on Order Paper

-Opposition does not support this move
Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8), Leader of the Opposition, criticised the government’s decision to move the Question-and-Answer segment down the House of Assembly order paper during the introduction of the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Photo: Youtube
The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (Amendment) Bill seeks to convert the Recovery and Development Agency from a temporary body into a permanent agency charged with delivering major development and infrastructure projects across the territory. Photo: Internet Source
The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (Amendment) Bill seeks to convert the Recovery and Development Agency from a temporary body into a permanent agency charged with delivering major development and infrastructure projects across the territory. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8), Leader of the Opposition, criticised the government’s decision to move the Question-and-Answer segment down the House of Assembly order paper during the introduction of the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Speaking during the Fifth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Penn said he and the Opposition did not support the change. “I do not support this move, and the Opposition does not support this move,” he said, adding that he remained unconvinced by the Premier’s explanation that the change was necessary to constitute the RDA board. “Changing the law does not preclude the Premier from properly constituting the RDA Board,” he told the House.

Opposition denied regular opportunities

Penn accused the government of denying the Opposition regular opportunities to question the executive, saying members have been unable to ask questions on behalf of constituents for 11 months.

He noted that the recent parliamentary sitting, which began January 15 and concluded less than a week ago, was an opportunity to address the issue if it were genuinely urgent. Instead, he said, the government’s scheduling left the Opposition “without the ability to ask questions on behalf of the people of this territory for 11 months.” 

Doesn't fit the bill 

The Opposition leader also raised procedural concerns about the government’s use of standing orders and the order of business. He said allowing members to make statements before Question Time effectively curtails opportunities for scrutiny and described the practice as “another attempt to stop the Opposition from doing the work of the people.” While acknowledging that standing orders permit the Premier’s actions, Penn warned against what he called an abuse of a principle intended for “extraordinary circumstances". “This doesn't fit the bill,” he said.

The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (Amendment) Bill seeks to convert the Recovery and Development Agency from a temporary body into a permanent agency charged with delivering major development and infrastructure projects across the territory. The bill is currently before the House of Assembly for debate and consideration at Committee Stage.

9 Responses to “'It's an abuse of power'- Hon Penn on Q&A segment pushed back on Order Paper”

  • smh (23/07/2026, 18:10) Like (1) Dislike (18) Reply
    No one is taking Marlon seriously
    • @smh. We are a foolish people (24/07/2026, 04:13) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      We are talking about constitutional changes, yet we refused to see that these hand picked govt HOA speaker/s are one of our main corruptive problems. Yet we refused to change that selection process through constitutional changes. I have been saying for the past 15 yrs. HOA speaker needs to be on the election ballet and be selected by the people. Let those with intent and ambition submit such intent and ambition to the Governor for vetting, after successful vetting they will get the green light to be on the ballot for the people to vote for a House speaker to represent the people. We ought to know the present practice of Govt selected Speakers will always favour the Govt..The rules and fairness will always be compromised.
  • Wellsah (23/07/2026, 18:38) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    outstanding dissent! let them know you still working Marlon
  • Raw and Unfiltered (23/07/2026, 21:07) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hear dis ya! A common political phrase is to the victor go the spoils . What does the HoA policies and rules say about the order of agenda items?
  • The love of Power (24/07/2026, 04:04) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Every black man with power abuses it and uses it to oppressed others and to his benefit...Their is no black person with power that you will get objectivity and fairness from...They are also experts at making excuses for their wrongs, their failures. Give these complainants the power they do the same unjust things
    • VI Gyal (24/07/2026, 08:30) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
      you sound so racist. As if whites do not do it too. Once a person has power they forgot how they had to work to get there and belittle the others.
  • guy hill (24/07/2026, 07:10) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    For political reasons with people's minds they play.
  • Disorganised (24/07/2026, 15:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    House of Assembly can’t even get a set out minutes out on time. 7 months. Crazy.
  • Focusing on the wrong stuff (24/07/2026, 15:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why do they spend 6 hours debating a RDA name change when there is so much more important business they should be prioritising.


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