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Jr Ministers Marlon A. Penn & Archibald C. Christian sworn in; media snubbed!

- Hon Marlon A. Penn has responsibility for Trade, Investment & Promotion while Hon Christian was handed the portfolio of Tourism
In a low profile affair today December 16, 2015, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) and Territorial Representative Hon Archibald C. Christian (left) were sworn in as Junior Ministers, appointments that were first and accurately reported by Virgin Islands News Online. Photo: VINO/File
Second District Representative Hon Melvin 'Mitch' Turnbull and Fifth District Representative Hon Delores Christopher (right) were also suggested as possible Junior Ministers before Hon Penn and Hon Christian received the nod. Photo: VINO/File
Second District Representative Hon Melvin 'Mitch' Turnbull and Fifth District Representative Hon Delores Christopher (right) were also suggested as possible Junior Ministers before Hon Penn and Hon Christian received the nod. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In a low profile affair today December 16, 2015, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) and Territorial Representative Hon Archibald C. Christian were sworn in as Junior Ministers, appointments that were first and accurately reported by Virgin Islands News Online.

According to reliable sources within the secretive National Democratic Party, Hon Penn was announced as having the portfolio of Trade, Investment and Promotion while Hon Christian was handed the portfolio of Tourism.

The Swearing In Ceremony reportedly took place at 9am this morning at the Office of the Premier, without the invitation of the local media.

Sources also disclosed that both Junior Ministers will now occupy offices at the Central Administration Complex and will be assigned Private Secretaries.

Following the request from the Government of the Virgin Islands to amend the Constitution to allow for the creation of two Junior Minister posts, the Governor conveyed a formal request to the appropriate authorities in the United Kingdom.

“The Governor’s Office is pleased to announce that the Virgin Islands Constitution (Amendment) Order, 2015 (the ‘Order’) has been approved by the Privy Council. It has been laid before the United Kingdom Parliament and will come into force on 5 November, 2015,” stated a press release from the Governor’s Office on October 29, 2015.

It further stated that consequently, from November 5, 2015 the Governor would be able to appoint, on the advice of the Premier, two Junior Ministers from among the elected members of the House of Assembly.

The new Minsters will not be members of Cabinet, but will assist in the performance of Ministerial functions relating to economic development.

See related stories:

http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/archibald-c-christian-in-as-second-junior-minister

http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/hon-marlon-a-penn-to-be-named-a-junior-minister

25 Responses to “Jr Ministers Marlon A. Penn & Archibald C. Christian sworn in; media snubbed!”

  • vip (16/12/2015, 16:11) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    if its on vino its facts bam
  • secrecy (16/12/2015, 16:15) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    I have no objection to the appointment, but why are our public officials soo private with the public's business. Don't we the people, who went to the poles and gave them these appointments have a right to any information. Hon. Premier, you need to come better than this.

    I wish the Christian and Penn the best on their appointments
  • chad (16/12/2015, 17:08) Like (3) Dislike (8) Reply
    Alvera knocked off a giant of a man Omar wallace Hodge and she wasn't considered??
  • tretretrete (16/12/2015, 17:12) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    ...and they say we have no money.
  • hah (16/12/2015, 17:26) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
    Archie too old to be a junior anything.
    • Liat 521 (16/12/2015, 21:03) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Archibald might be a nice guy, but he's not in the running, Mitch should have been the next jr Minister.
  • rattie (16/12/2015, 17:45) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    thanks vino we could no longer depend on this government for updated information
    • LO LO (16/12/2015, 20:42) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      This is a low blow to the voters of the BVI. The sunshine government gone to sleep since they get back power you all do not need the voters now .It sure will have another election .MRS CAINES is getting treat as if she is not a member of the party .MRS CHRISTOPHER with the party before Johnny come .The leader is really a /// ///.What is this to hide if they hide this I wonder what is in the closet.
  • information needed. (16/12/2015, 19:07) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    What really is their new roll. Will there be an increase in pay.?
  • Bus off (16/12/2015, 19:10) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Alvera I feel your pain. If they pick the comic above you. They really think you are a joker. You need leave them and join a new party. Your seat is sure. Don't take no more disrespect..Bus off. Run. Leave them.
  • Dragon (16/12/2015, 19:57) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    I must express my disappointment in this. The two Ministries Education and Communications who are the worse run Ministries and needed the extra help seems to be exempt from these jr Ministers. So it is clear they just pushed the both of them ( Penn and Archie) on Orlando showing that the other Ministers refused to get the help they so need.
    • @ Dragon (16/12/2015, 20:41) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      I agree with you 100 % as it is a travesty to believe that Myron and Mark Ministries did not need these two jr ministers
  • Hmm (16/12/2015, 20:04) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    It's either they censor or they exclude...wellsah!
  • I wonder (16/12/2015, 23:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Was this done to keep our minds off cline?
    • @ I wonder (17/12/2015, 08:07) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      what's the deal or scoop with him...he good man he has a rental
  • tough one (17/12/2015, 06:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    We have to move on. We have to let go at times when we need to progress. Especially when we are been look down on and disrespected...I'm sure Alvera head is working like a clock...
  • facts man (17/12/2015, 13:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Penn for sure the other guy does not have the support
  • WHY NDP, WHY??? (17/12/2015, 17:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why wouldn't the media be invited to such an auspicious occasion such as this? This ought to have afforded the same media access/publicity as with the swearing in of the regular ministers...why? why? why? What is with all the secrecy? We the church really need to put down some praying for this nation...will all the Living God's true people rise up and lift up a cry unto the Lord for this nation. Please
  • THE ACCOUNTANT (17/12/2015, 19:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let me see if I understand this. Will Christian be required to give up his job with Smith's Gore? Will Penn continue to be employed as a consultant by Government with a salary of $250,000. a year which is in addition to his $100,000 as a back bencher? and what will the salary of a Junior Minister? Am I to understand that Civil Servants have already been notified that no increments will be paid as of January ? Only time will tell if the Government's finances which are in shambles will carry this extra burden.
  • dog meat (18/12/2015, 23:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Politics is cut-throat, and for you to succeed you have to stop playing on emotions and start making unpopular decisions that is good for the country (although they might not think so)


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