'We failed in our responsibilities as legislators' - Hon Marlon A. Penn
Hon Penn publicly stated his position during the debate of the Bill entitled Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency Act 2018 in the Third Sitting of the Third Session of the Third House of Assembly (HoA) on Friday, March 23, 2018.
The backbencher stated he has voiced his concerns with Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), Premier and Minister of Finance, on numerous occasions but before he can support the Bill he believes that some changes need to be done to it.
“In its current form, I too have my challenges with it. I’ve been the amplified voice privately on the issue surrounding this legislation. I have taken it apart because I take my legislative responsibility seriously. I have expressed numerous times my concerns on the issues that I have for it,” Hon Penn expressed.
He continued, “I do not support this Bill in its current form. I made that clear privately and I’m making it clear publicly now. We have an opportunity to get a piece of legislation that represents what we want. It requires us to do our work. Doing nothing cannot be an option.”
Furthermore, Hon Penn indicated that as legislators, his government has failed in their responsibility for the people of the territory for allowing such a Bill, which does not represent the people, to come before them.
He said, “We have to look at the problems that we face as a country and find solutions. That is our job. That is our responsibility and we need to take that responsibility seriously. We have this piece of legislation because we failed in our responsibilities as legislators. We are the ones who are responsible to lead this country. We allowed a legislation to come before us that does not represent our will, the will of the people of this country and our will to move forward as a people in rebuilding.”
“Premier, everything has to be on the table”
Meanwhile, the Junior Minister for Trade and Investment called on the Premier to reveal all the information about the Bill being discussed so that the ministers can make a proper decision that will move the territory and the people forward without undermining their foundation.
“We have to be more forthright with information as well. Everything has to be on the table in this discussion. Premier, everything has to be on the table. No exceptions. It is unfortunate that we are at this point but nonetheless this is where we are. No amount of complaining, no amount of should of, could of, would of going to change that. So we have to make a decision,” the Backbencher commented.
He continued, “I look forward for us making a discussion that drives the economic development of this country forward. I look forward for us to put in the right tenants in place to make sure that we have a strong foundation moving forward on the heels of this disaster. I look forward for us roll up our sleeves, buckling down and do what we need to do to move this country forward. I want to make it clear, I do not support the Bill that is before us.”
The only backbencher in full support of the bill is Representative for the Ninth District, Dr The Honourable Hubert R. O’Neal, while Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), Minister for Health and Social Development, is the only minister not in support of the Bill.
Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), Opposition Leader and First District Representative, is the only HoA Member that has not yet contributed to the debate.
The House of Assembly has been recessed until Monday, March 26, 2018.
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37 Responses to “'We failed in our responsibilities as legislators' - Hon Marlon A. Penn”
Any vote against recovery is a vote against the PEOPLE OF THE BVI! Recovery now!!!
THE BVI will be Sam if we take this money and it will be all our faults because we probably have no choice.
VOTE AGAINST RECOVERY , WE VOTE YOU OUT!
I dont think any of you opposing get it. UK did not rihjt the plan oir own did. UK just trying to ensure the slick politicians domt get their hands on it. The only amemdment it needs is to not have the politicians decide or prioritize the work. Thats why we have project managers hired Dion Stoutt Shaina Smith let them with the Town and Country department and PWD decide what shoild happen
Our quality of life steadily deteriorates, people living in squalor and behaving as though it is the norm. I don't like living like this and I don't want to raise my children like this. Shame on all who perpetuate this.
U all better vote for d recovery plan
We dont forget 30million still missing from pier park.
No one held accountable
This has nothing to do wit wat noel fight for. Noel care for the ppl not his pocket
Our infrastructure need rebuilding social security money s our money not d goverment money u all keep u all eyes of it
Soon it sound like u want to make it broke
Let england give the money n let them make sure it spend n the rite areas
Stand your ground Alvera, Mitch, Marlon, Delores (you sock it to the Dep. Premier) Archie, Ronnie. Please, Please, stand up for us.