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Outsiders should not 'dictate & depict' what VI should look like– Hon Penn

- calls on legislators to stop the fighting & come to a consensus to move VI forward
Opposition Member, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has called on legislators in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly to stop the infighting and agree to come to a consensus to move the VI forward. Photo: HoA/Youtube
According to Opposition Member Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), the Virgin Islands should not allow persons not belonging to the Territory to dictate how the Virgin islands should be. Photo: VINO/File
According to Opposition Member Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), the Virgin Islands should not allow persons not belonging to the Territory to dictate how the Virgin islands should be. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Opposition Member, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) has called on legislators in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly, to stop the infighting and agree to come to a consensus to move the VI forward.

Hon Penn made the calls during the Fourth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on October 13, 2023. The Special Sitting was called to honour the Virgin Islands' heroes and heroines, ahead of Heroes and Foreparents Day 2023.

“I will do my part as a Member of this House… I urge all my colleagues and persons outside of this House of Assembly, let us as a country… do some introspective reasoning amongst ourselves, within ourselves, with our colleagues and our parents about what we want to see and what we want for our Virgin Islands.”

“And not let Anyone come in and dictate and depict what our Virgin Islands should look like. That has to be a conversation for us, a conversation on what we want to see on the way forward," Hon Penn stated.

No infighting in HoA - Hon Penn 

He said for that to happen, there must not be any infighting in the House of Assembly amongst legislators in the VI.

“And Premier, I hope you’re listening, we can’t do it as a Government and Opposition fighting against each other, we have to do it as a House of Assembly, we have to do it as a people of these Virgin Islands collectively,”

Hon Penn said legislators will not always agree, and he anticipated there would be some challenges and disagreements on the way forward in the VI. 

“But let's humbly agree, that we must move forward and come to some kind of consensus on the way forward,” he added while saluting the families of those identified as heroes and heroines in the VI.

45 Responses to “Outsiders should not 'dictate & depict' what VI should look like– Hon Penn”

  • Me agree wid u Marlon (24/10/2023, 15:13) Like (27) Dislike (16) Reply
    They shouldn't be given equal opportunities like US neither.....WE CREATED A MONSTER
    • Marlon. Ur joke. No the history. (25/10/2023, 06:12) Like (27) Dislike (6) Reply
      I remember when you were a little boy going primary school, thats how long I've been hear before wicham's cay and road town development. Back then most of the educators, the medical professionals and builders were Islanders and they operated like true professionals, while your people saw the USVI and the USA as heaven and were running there these people stayed and hold the fort.. Now you are trying to exclude them.. Teach the youth the truth and stop putting hatred for xpats in their minds.
      • @Marlon. Ur joke. No the history. (25/10/2023, 10:25) Like (2) Dislike (9) Reply
        My friend is people like you who jump at any chance to put down BVIslanders about immigrating to.USVO and Mainland USA. You have lived amongst the People, but your interests is not with them. So for how long you intend to dwell amongst us? In hindsight, you are the one that needs.to understand and comprehend the BVI history. Living here for so long doesn't make you a historian for the.BVI.
  • MYRON & LORNA (24/10/2023, 15:15) Like (13) Dislike (25) Reply
    With these 2 island people in the house it will make it a lil more complicated
    • @ Myron n Lorna (24/10/2023, 15:26) Like (14) Dislike (6) Reply
      Where is Mather from?
    • @MYRON&LORNA (25/10/2023, 05:38) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      That there is the root of the problem. People like you who seem to thrive on hatred and ignorance. It doesn't matter if the BVI was free of all expatriates including "Island people"the problems here would still exist. I strongly believe that a special set of African slaves (since slavery is blamed for everything here,) we're brought here and by special I don't mean it in a nice way. I mean slaves who were incapable of loving or treating anyone else with any human dignity not even to their own family.
  • Asking For Myself (24/10/2023, 15:21) Like (19) Dislike (12) Reply
    Who wants to hear from this waste?
  • man (24/10/2023, 15:27) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    these opposition players a bunch of mutes most of the time, only popping up to try and stay relevant, not provide any solutions and move things forward.
  • moon (24/10/2023, 15:41) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    Agreed that they are from an Island, then you have to be from another planet. What absordity.
    • facts (25/10/2023, 18:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      If you are from another island or a planet then you are an outsider
  • Joker (24/10/2023, 15:46) Like (23) Dislike (23) Reply
    If wasn't for outsider this island would have never been the way it is,this would have been a hub where all the drugs flow tru.
    • the block (24/10/2023, 20:15) Like (16) Dislike (9) Reply
      You are so correct, because we fxxk it up trying to please you all,and now it is a problem try to fix it
      All this problem, the BVI exprenceing,is because of what Andrew did. When he was elected, the first thing he did is give 200 plus people naturalization, which was bull ship. I want the UK run here.
    • and then - (25/10/2023, 12:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      and the risk is that is what it will be again if some people have there way
  • Disappointed. (24/10/2023, 15:50) Like (42) Dislike (15) Reply
    Hon Penn can you please give us your definition of an outsider. I am here since early 80s and its outsiders that build this country, the hotels, etc. People's big houses on weekends for schaefer beer and Food. "FREE". That statement is so divisive and disappointing. Shame on you..!
    • Only in the BVI (24/10/2023, 20:14) Like (14) Dislike (5) Reply
      You know the definition of the word and that’s why you are upset.
    • Native Tongue (24/10/2023, 20:47) Like (12) Dislike (8) Reply

      At disappointed. Your @$$ got paid didn't you?

    • Definition (24/10/2023, 23:19) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
      If you look out for your own interest and do not work to build the country for the betterment of the people but to fill your pockets with the US dollar you are an outsider. If you do not care for the country’s traditions, heritage and people you are an outsider! If you are not a nationalist you are an outsider.
      • Point the finger (25/10/2023, 12:33) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        Theres a lot of legislators and former legislators are outsiders then if not most of them by that definition
        • @Point (27/10/2023, 13:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          That is why some of them are being removed from their leadership positions in Africa by the military and have to flee their country. They look out for foreign and self-interest more than their people.
    • @disappointed (25/10/2023, 06:29) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
      Food and bear is not free they cost money.
  • WTF (24/10/2023, 16:13) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Define "Outsider"
    • 1. Definition (24/10/2023, 23:26) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
      If a war breaks out in the Virgin Islands tomorrow and your first instinct is to flee the country with the money paid to you to so-call ‘build’ this territory you are an Outsider.
      • Question: (25/10/2023, 11:04) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
        Do you mean like when hurricanes Irma and Maria destroyed these islands and many Virgin Islanders fled to the US, UK, Cayman for comfort and a significant number of 'islanders' and other expats stayed and worked- living in their flooded apartments, in the heat, without electricity and running water, where they were bitten by mosquitos- to rebuild and stabilize the country? I heard that my name was called at the airport when a plane was sent from my country of origin. I was not at the airport. I thought, if I were in my home country at the time of the hurricanes, my thoughts would have been on these islands that I have called home for the last 15 years and I would have been busy trying to get aid sent to the Virgin Islands. So, since I was here for the hurricanes, why not stay and help to build back this place where I live and work and have called home. We need to stop with the generalizing, xenophobia, stereotyping and hatred.
        • @Question: (25/10/2023, 21:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          How many foreigners left the VI after those hurricanes? What is your statistics? What is your statistics Far more than the citizens by far as I could see. Let’s be real, if there is a war or an economic crisis in these lands all the Opportunist will be on the next flight out. No one loves another man’s homeland more than that man. I was here throughout it all and I saw my family and friends work along side me daily to rebuild our home. You need to stop with your stereotyping.
  • Well (24/10/2023, 16:16) Like (20) Dislike (3) Reply
    Is the same outside as you say put you thay with dew respect you are ungrateful no joke
  • Yep (24/10/2023, 17:05) Like (7) Dislike (14) Reply
    .. It should be a gangster run drug state.
  • Sam (24/10/2023, 20:29) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Fixed trellis bay .very dirty.main hub for one of the best hotel in the bvi. And hub for vg ...Air port..Think before you talk.
    • Observer (25/10/2023, 18:34) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      If he could have fixed trellis bay he would. He continues to cry out about it. Spiteful government officials ignore some districts not realizing their actions affect everyone.
  • Facial expression (24/10/2023, 20:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    IS SAYING )> MIND YO , I DIDN'T CALL ANY NAMES , I ONLY USED THE WORD OUTSIDERS
  • Outsider (24/10/2023, 20:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hold on a second, couldn't these guys call for an independence referendum any time they like?
    Why don't they?
  • okay (24/10/2023, 21:15) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    But what does an outsider look like?
  • THE OPPOSITION (24/10/2023, 22:05) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    HAS AWOKEN FROM THEIR SLUMBER ( ONE HOLLERING OUT RETARDATION ) ANOTHER ONE WANTS TO CHASE DOWN PEOPLE AND THE OTHER ONE PLAYING MIND GAMES WITH OUTSIDERS AND INSIDERS / AND THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO WISE MEN ( BUT BOYS WILL BE BOYS Ĺ
  • (24/10/2023, 22:34) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    Boy go sleep because you’re tired. Hush!
  • trinity (24/10/2023, 22:45) Like (23) Dislike (7) Reply
    I am a proud outsider who help to build this country. Hon Penn you’re out of order. Enough with the descrimination already.
  • Karnage (24/10/2023, 23:59) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    What free labor and services have you donated or were you paid? Why don't you "help to build" your own country?
  • Hmmmm (25/10/2023, 00:08) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Outsider?Anyone who is not an indigenous first people's of the Caribbean If you don't know what an indigenous Caribbean person looks like you can go to Trellis and ask for Johnny.Whites..blacks...the rest should go home to your respective places of origin.. Thank you and Goodnite.
    ..
  • RedStorm (25/10/2023, 04:02) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    The thoughts of a man, you are not the only one that feel that way. Those outsiders will soon diminish.
  • Interesting (25/10/2023, 06:23) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Outsider you say ? Wow, I guess if it wasn’t for the outsiders the BVI would be nothing in a way, there’s a lot of outsiders here that does a lot for the BVI.
    Wonder if you also know that the locals who made their kids in the US are considered “outsiders”
  • RedStorm (25/10/2023, 08:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Seriously, the train has already leave the station. Business people and the judicial system in every country dictates the way forward a country will go, and BVI is no exception.
  • Outsiders (25/10/2023, 10:04) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope he dont be looking for health care from any locals cause all in the US working and it only OUTSIDERS that providing the health care in the BVI 98%
  • Phila., PA (25/10/2023, 21:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Be wary when u talk about outsiders. Most of my whole generation came to Philadelphia, PA from Tortola and they lived a better life there. If we as Caribbean people don’t stop this snapping at one another, God may send A BIG GIANT Philly cheesesteak sandwich falling from the skies to crush and smother all of the BVI.
  • He is a crazy man (26/10/2023, 07:00) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Leaders like these which are throwing hate towards outsiders should be taken down from power. I’m not from here and yet I have supported this bvi a lot. Looks like we have to tell our fellow outsiders who’s providing healthcare and other facilities to leave because why take care of y’all bvi islanders when yall can’t stop disrespecting us and don’t even wanna give belonger status and we been here more than 15 years. Foolish are these leaders who discriminate like this. I find his comment very disrespectful soon the uk will take over if yall don’t stop yall foolishness waiting on the next governor patiently can’t wait for the uk take over because there is no benefit being under this government where there is only discrimination and disrespect towards outsiders.
  • Food for thought (26/10/2023, 12:57) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am outsider, because I wasn't born here, and even after living here for over half a century, I am still an a
    Outsider. But I have no problem with that, my outsider genes give me an opportunity to see mtself as different, above the ordinary average 2x4 mentality of small island "island people". But the sad thing iz that people who born here are considered outsiders as well, while the insiders go outside to America to born their children and come back pretending to be such patriots. Their children feel entitled to the benefits Uncle Sam offers, but don't want their "born here" relatives to even claim the nationality of their birthplace. Hypocrisy and ignorance will be the death of this place if you all don't repent. NEWS FLASH! All outsiders big up unnuh self, as long as you aint a criminal, and you don't have to beg nobody to feed you, hold yuh head high, and say, praise the lord! And stay outta de people dem business, if dem doan like you.
  • Well Sah (28/10/2023, 01:17) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    @food for thought......i could shake your hand,real talk right desso
    #mindwebussiness
    #holdupwehead
    #stayouttademway


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