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

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.