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Lifting of Order in Council 'not a cause for celebration’- Hon Marlon A. Penn

- but said it puts the territory in a position to get 'back on track'
Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8), a member of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, has stated that the lifting of the Virgin Islands Constitution Interim Amendment Order 2022, which occurred on March 13, 2026, is not a “cause for celebration”. Photo: Youtube
The order, imposed by the United Kingdom, had been held in reserve while the Virgin Islands government worked on implementing the reforms recommended by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) and was lifted on March 13, 2026. Photo: VINO/FILE
The order, imposed by the United Kingdom, had been held in reserve while the Virgin Islands government worked on implementing the reforms recommended by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) and was lifted on March 13, 2026. Photo: VINO/FILE
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8), a member of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, has stated that the lifting of the Virgin Islands Constitution Interim Amendment Order 2022, which occurred on March 13, 2026, is not a “cause for celebration”.

During a special sitting of the House of Assembly on Thursday, March 18, 2026, in light of the Order in Council being lifted, Honourable Penn shared his perspective on this development. 

The order, imposed by the United Kingdom, had been held in reserve while the Virgin Islands government worked on implementing the reforms recommended in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report. 

'Step in the right direction'

Honourable Penn emphasised that, while this is not a cause for celebration, it represents a step in the right direction for the territory's progress. 

‘’While I would stop short of seeing this as a celebration, I think it's a point of putting us back on track, getting this country back on the right trajectory.’’ he remarked.

He added, “We need to get back on a path where we continue to build our country, build it by us, through us, through our people, electing the people that they want to lead this country and to ensure that we continue to build a nation that generations of Virgin Islanders could benefit and be proud of.’’

As previously reported by VINO, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) stated that the lifting of the Order in Council is not merely a procedural development but a national achievement and victory and will long be remembered in the annals of VI history.

If the Order in Council had been enforced, it would have suspended significant portions of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, and direct rule by the UK woukd have been the order of the day.

3 Responses to “Lifting of Order in Council 'not a cause for celebration’- Hon Marlon A. Penn ”

  • coi (20/03/2026, 10:16) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    A lot of the recommendations were caused by the NDP Government and the way they changed the way the government worked. We are grateful that the recommendations were met and there was a lifting of order in council as the UK had their mission. People tend to forget the damage the NDP caused when they were in power. The Governor was sent here to take over! This is a small win!
  • Correct (20/03/2026, 10:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wheatley the party man thinks the people are stupid. He is trying to pull wool over people's eyes. He can't fool anyone.
  • BuzzBvi (20/03/2026, 11:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Order in Coucil and there is not a single thing in the COI that you took seriously. There has been no change. Government pushed back all the way instead using the opportunity to take a look at the VI.

    It was a opportunity to put things right.

    P487 and friends wasted it.

    Like the report for the airport is wasted.

    The Report of the Commission on the Constitution is wasted as they are ignoring it.

    No need for financial reports for these guys.

    No need to know how Lorna got away with disappearng Millions of dollars.

    There is no will from the Elites to build a better place for the people of the VI.

    Only ever looking to fill their own pockets just like the Plantation owners of a past time. Explointing people now by suppressing minimum wage and using their power to enrich their own insular elite group.

    Definitely not a cause for celebration.

    Embracing the findings of the COI and doing something about what is wrong would have been a cause for celebration.

    No. What we have is roads for donkeys, no investments, hidden reports, secret projects, lost millions and millions. Admin complex closed so money can be handed out to elite friends.

    Celebration no. Not for the people of the VI that are living under this NEW STYLE COLONIAL VI Government.


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