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Wider cross-section of public needed on National Security Council– Hon Penn

Minister for Health and Social Development under the Unity Government, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) is advocating for more members on the local National Security Council which he said should involve a wider cross-section of the public. Photo: VINO/File
Hon Marlon A. Penn said in Cayman Islands for instance, the Leader of the Opposition is a nominee as well as civil society and the church as a representative. Photo: Facebook
Hon Marlon A. Penn said in Cayman Islands for instance, the Leader of the Opposition is a nominee as well as civil society and the church as a representative. Photo: Facebook
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI– Minister for Health and Social Development under the Unity Government, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) is advocating for more members on the local National Security Council (NSC), which he said should involve a wider cross-section of the public.

“Right now, the National Security Council is chaired by the members who are the Premier and the Deputy Premier. It could be any other minister… the AG [Attorney General] is there as well, and the Chief of Police,” he said during the December 19, 2022, edition of the Umoja Show on ZBVI 780am hosted by Comewell Smith aka Edju Enka.

More people needed on Council - Hon Penn 

“You need to have a wider cross-section of the public as a part of that process, You're talking about the national security of the country.. how you deal with crime and issues of crime,” he added.

Hon Penn said in Cayman Islands for instance, the Leader of the Opposition is a nominee as well as civil society and the church as a representative.

“So you have a buy-in from the entire populous in terms of the way forward, the strategy forward for dealing with the national security issues of your country,” he added while calling for the people of the VI to be part of the Constitutional Review's consultation process.

Host Mr Smith commented that national security should also include economic security and not just crime and punishment. 

“We don't see economic security as a national security issue and I don't know how we would have a secure country without a healthy [economy] and so, can we change those things?” he questioned while adding how is it that foreigners decide what the local national security council looks like.

Time to build on what exists - Hon Penn 

Hon Penn said moving forward, while the United Kingdom plays a role in what will be allowed in terms of VI’s national security, the VI needs to build on what is already laid out in the constitution.

He said for him, national security is economic security, but there also needs to be a focus on more security like means of production, businesses, food, and job security. 

“We need a different approach, this can’t be the approach because it could be cut off from us at any second,” Hon Penn added.

9 Responses to “Wider cross-section of public needed on National Security Council– Hon Penn”

  • my run (22/12/2022, 16:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    He wake up after 7 long months
  • Native senior cituzens of the British Virgin Islands (22/12/2022, 20:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon. Marlon Penn is scoring some pokitical ppints.
    One commenter wrote that he has awaking after 7 longs Months. At lest he has awakwn to the realization that there is a need fir "Wider cross-Section Of Public Needed On National Security Counsil. Most members of the present are still asleep to this fact.
    A new era of the BVI needful reality has already began. Many are stuck in the past.

    Money is not a sure necessity of National Security unless it is hinge to genuine Love, helpful knowledge, and active wisdom. Greed is a misdeed. True Nationak Security is not without the three above mention princples being daily put in action.
    Wake up BVI from our slumbering sleep! Wake up now!
  • The watchdog (22/12/2022, 20:15) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Waking up not going help him he cannot lead
  • not nice (22/12/2022, 20:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    He wake up but i think it's to late now Rankin in the drivers seat
  • Pull up (22/12/2022, 21:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    a list of the topics/issues should be put into writing and permit the voters to go to their various polling stations and cast votes: this way one will get a true picture as to voice of the people: this committee thing is pure bull.....
  • Forbidden Truth. (22/12/2022, 21:33) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Two men who used to work in immigration need to be on that council of national security.
    • Norris Turnbull (29/12/2022, 15:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Forbidden Truth... I know of whom you speak, They will not put them there.
  • West side (23/12/2022, 06:38) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Very good points Smurf
  • Mustang (23/12/2022, 11:54) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    National security include not only defense and security but also energy, environmental, food, cyber, etc security. Some of these functions must be discrete councils/agencies, economic. There is no need to have every Thom, Doc and Mary on the National Security Council, for doing so dilutes the effectiveness and functionality of the Council. More does not equal better. The NSC or other Counci, ie, economic, should be staff with eminently qualified, knowledgeable, and experience people. Large Councils, etc, are often a subtraction, not an addition. Further, the Premier, etc, needs qualified advisory economic, energy, cyber, food, and defense and security councils.


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