'We've betrayed the trust of the people'- Hon Marlon A. Penn
He acknowledged that the recent elections have shown that the public is dissatisfied with the party's past actions and behaviour.
Members put differences aside
Honourable Penn revealed that the party's members recently met, set aside their differences, and held honest discussions to determine a path forward for the organisation. “We came in the room, all of us put our differences aside and had frank and open conversation, discussions about what happened, where we are, where we need to go, and we decided to move forward, and this is where we are," he stated.
Penn confident in his leadership
When asked if he believes he can regain the trust of the people before the upcoming elections, Hon Penn expressed confidence in his leadership. “I have proven with my leadership that I'm consistent, I’m loyal and dedicated to the cause of this country, our organisation, and the people of the Virgin Islands.”
He further explained that the party has begun engaging with the public early on to address any concerns they may have, both regarding the party and broader issues affecting the country. “We're going to consider the level of engagement all the way to national elections.”
He reaffirmed, stating, “I’m confident that we can do that.”
During the most recent general elections, held on April 24, 2023, the National Democratic Party (NDP) secured 3 seats in the House of Assembly. Meanwhile, in the 2019 Election, the NDP was voted out of office, winning only 3 seats. The party leader at the time, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6), lost his seat.
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32 Responses to “'We've betrayed the trust of the people'- Hon Marlon A. Penn”
Our money from the GREEDY BILL,
Under you, the district you represent has very little improvement due to the fact thst you give money intended for them to another to improve his. ( Pier Park) .
In my view, a vote for this party is a vote for a Natonal Disaster Plan.
So why should we trust the NDP? They %$# up the country for their own personal gain $7m for a plane scam, took the increment of public officers, gave themselves private investment capital. The NDP simply cannot be trusted with our moneys again. And the one that crossover and took our $10m and put in a scammer bank and took it out in so called loan. We can't trust them either ALL 13 MUST GO.
Without Judgment
BVI Mamas Deserve Peace: Holding Dem Down
By Tafari Zharr
"It’s so nice to see you smiling, baby," sings Jon Lucien in his soulful anthem "Haven’t I Told You." This sentiment captures the essence of motherhood in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), reflecting the warmth and nurturing spirit that mamas embody.
Historically, the BVI was a place where women served as peacemakers—submissive but not subservient, soft-spoken yet influential. They became custodians of BVI culture, playing a vital role in shaping family structures and preserving traditions. Their strength is expressed through arts, rituals, and communal gatherings.
From East to West, South to North, Salt, North Sound to Bitter End, Brewers and Bellevue, these women have woven a rich narrative of heritage. As we navigate modern challenges, it is time to honor their legacy and drop the hostility for Humptoms and Purcell, too!
The BVI, with its natural beauty and vibrant communities, owes much to mothers. They are not just caregivers; they are the heartbeat of their families, passing down values that shape island life. As the BVI undergoes significant change, we must recognize that these mamas desire and deserve peace—for their well-being and the preservation of the islands’ unique identity.
Mothers are pillars of BVI communities, carrying responsibilities that encompass nurturing, educating, and guiding the next generation. Their influence extends beyond the home into the broader social fabric, building strong communities. The cultural heritage of the BVI is intricately woven into their lives, ensuring traditions are celebrated, providing families with a sense of belonging.
However, the BVI faces challenges from rapid tourism development and environmental changes. These transformations create anxiety for mothers witnessing shifts in their landscapes and communities. The pressures of economic development, coupled with the desire to maintain cultural integrity, make it difficult for mothers to find peace. These challenges affect their mental and emotional well-being and reverberate throughout their families and communities.
Mamas in the BVI seek peace—a state of stability that allows them to nurture their families and preserve their cultural legacies. Achieving this peace requires safe environments, access to resources, and ensuring that their children inherit a thriving community steeped in tradition.
Facilitating this peace improves mental health and family cohesion, strengthening the community as a whole. Encouraging community engagement is vital. Involving mothers in discussions that affect their lives ensures their voices are respected. Initiatives aimed at empowering mothers through education and support can spark collective action, addressing cultural preservation alongside sustainable development.
Mamas in the BVI play an instrumental role in shaping their communities' futures. As they navigate the challenges of a changing environment, it is crucial to support their desires and initiatives. By creating an environment that values mothers’ contributions, the BVI can thrive, honoring their legacy and safeguarding the islands’ culture for generations.
I miss my mother and the mothers I’ve known through stories. I invite you to remember her and all the incredible women who have shaped our lives.
Holding dem down! On this special day, let us celebrate and appreciate the extraordinary mothers who nurture, uplift, and enrich our existence. Happy Mother’s Day! A special shout-out to Queen Esmie Stoutt (Muddie), to whom this piece is dedicated.
Copyright (c) 2026 by Tafari Zharr. Used by permission of Tafari Zharr, LLC. All rights reserved.
Imagine a snake telling you to trust him. Just imagine a snake venting about trust and betrayal. Judgement day is set for people like that. God will not let a snake rule over us.
Non-Apologies with conditional language like I am sorry if you were offended or passive voices like mistakes were made will not cut it. You will have to own the action Sir. A sincere apology must admit wrongdoing, moral or otherwise and express deep regret while taking full responsibility. You will have to accept the consequences; you can resign, accept sanctions from your constituents and show that you are serious about taking responsibility. You will also need to focus your apology on the harm caused to the public and constituents rather than on your own reputation. You might have to require radical transparency and actions. Establish and implement new ethical standards such as an independent advisor who can investigate, rather than relying on internal political appointments. Be transparent…open your actions to scrutiny by proactively publishing records of meetings, lobbying or financial interests to combat the perception of selling influence. Create some concrete changes like showing tangible, not just rhetorical change, this may require new accountability mechanisms. You will need consistent long-term behaviour. Trust is built through small, consistent actions over time and not one large event. Ensure that your current actions align strictly with your stated values. Reconnect directly with your local constituency to rebuild familiarity, which is closely linked to favorability. Be patient in doing this because there is time restraint to deal with here. Rebuilding broken trust is a slow, laborious process, as political betrayal leaves deep wounds. Move beyond traditional public relations to a culture where accountability is the norm, that’s radical transparency adoption. Go ahead and advocate for stricter regulation of political advertising to combat misfortune. Your integrity should never be up for sale or negotiations to be compromised. Good luck.