BVI economy only looks pretty on paper, Penn suggests
Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn has warned that while the BVI’s 2026 budget appears strong on paper, the lived reality across communities tells a very different story.
Speaking during the recent budget debate in the House of Assembly, Penn acknowledged that the 2026 budget is one of the largest in the territory’s history and that government revenues have steadily increased in recent years. However, he argued that the impressive figures have not translated into improved conditions for ordinary residents or small businesses.
Penn pointed out that government revenues from financial services grew from about $376 million in 2023 to projections of roughly $447 million for 2026. He also noted that the government currently holds approximately $189 million across various accounts, including the Consolidated Fund, the Reserve Fund and other government holdings.
Despite this, Penn questioned how such strong financial indicators could coexist with deteriorating infrastructure and economic hardship. “You would assume that with the numbers that are projected that you would have streets paved with gold, running water in every pipe throughout this territory, sewage off the street and a vibrant and bustling private sector,” he said. “But when you walk through this territory, the number paints a different picture.”
He argued that the territory does not have a problem generating revenue, noting that in earlier years — when the national budget was just over $100 million — roads were better maintained, bush cutting was consistent, and businesses were able to grow.
“With all this money, we’re seeing the level of hardship that people are experiencing on a daily basis,” Penn said, adding that the socio-economic condition of the territory is “in dire need” of attention.
A disconnect with daily realities?
The D8 representative also criticised what he described as a disconnect between ministerial presentations and daily realities. Recounting a near accident caused by a motorist swerving to avoid a pothole, Penn said the glowing descriptions of the economy did not align with what residents face on the ground.
Beyond infrastructure, Penn highlighted bureaucratic hurdles as a major burden on small businesses, including difficulties bringing in employees, paying contributions and navigating government systems. He said many challenges facing entrepreneurs are not strictly financial, but stem from inefficiencies that frustrate growth and development.
Penn also raised concerns about the credibility of revenue projections in the budget. He revealed that projected revenues increased by $1.6 million in the short period between the completion of Standing Finance Committee meetings and the tabling of the budget. “I don’t know if in two weeks the government came up with some miraculous revenue generation,” he said, sarcastically suggesting he would like to “buy into that business.”
Penn concluded by urging the government to look beyond headline numbers and present a more honest picture of the territory’s economic health — one that reflects the daily experiences of residents and ensures that public resources reach those who need them most.
Copyright 2026 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
Cause money does find certain pockets before it find where it really need to be
agree
Stop pulling down the country and deal with specific issues, like the hospital, where every time you get that ministry under your control, you keep reappointing this person who has failed in their job.
It’s really shameful how some of you all hide within the cove of your district, where friends and family put you in no matter what. You should have been running at large so the people could fix some of you all.
No..no..no Mr. Penn only in their minds sir!
Boss what have you done with the opportunities afford to you? How many times have you been elected but yet YOUR district looks like a ghetto and your constituents don’t have any opportunities for upward mobility!?!
You even been a member of sitting governments yet all you had to show are the frequent flyer miles you had accumulated during your failed tenures.
You’ve been the leader of NDP yet the party is in shambles. I’ve counted the number of times you’ve been to Australia)on the government dime – 3 times!!) 1st class flights, 5 star hotels and yet nothing tangible for OUR taxpayers monies from your trips abroad!
It’s high time D8 wake up and smell the sewerage for themselves before the election you again! You Mr. Smurf are a direct BENEFICIARY of the GREEDY BILL – yet you remain silent just like your other party member [Myron] on this. That alone speaks volumes to your true values and integrity.
Most times in HOA you just speak the obvious and add little value to the debates/discussions. It’s time D8 wake up and get someone fresh and competent to represent their interests and not personal gains….
D8 did get an upgrade during his time, just have look up wayyy up Trellis bay side to see it
This man has been elected for 15 years. What has he done? What proposals put forward? Just sit and talk day and night about the same things and nothing happening. This is what people expected Mather to do? Sit on the other side just talking nonsense day in, day out? Do we have any shame as an electorate? We need action people! Myron should have been on the Government side moving things forward. The Territory is stagnant, nothing of real substance is happening and we just playing games.
i been saying we islands look ntn like the big budget we got annually with usd backing it dont make no sense
by now we should be able to travel from island to isalnd on a bridge.
those who still wan the island life style of boat travel a free to do so. yes ferries will take a hit but we got to advance in everything man
everything going be the same from i small until i turn old and dead?? ntn change?? just more negatives adding on to more???
Do you understand how govt works?
The Minister of Finance is the one who holds the purse strings. Penn has to write letters, plead and beg to get anything to be done in his District
This will only happen at the Government minister of Finance beck and call. Stop spreading false information . Some ayo just feed off of jealousy, hate and envry
Study the workings of Govt. You have no clue as to what you are saying
Opposition is as weak as the present government would allow
The government budget relates to projects for the upcoming year, paying public servants, pensions, bills, rents, supplies and so on.
The government budget does not include giving raises to persons in the private sector.
A bigger budget does not mean the average will be saving more money.
The same goes for a strong economy.
A strong economy means money is circulating.
Life will always be a challenge for the average person.
What the bigger budget says is the government plans to do more.
It does not mean persons are saving more or persons are being paid better
You are talking nonsense. Sowande is now the premier of this country because of Looney Lorna and Coo Coo Fraser—just look at what is happening in his own district. Let me educate you, since you are so biased and bad-minded.
Long Look still does not have proper water or sewerage, with sewage running in the streets. And do not try to credit Sowande for the sewage plant—the fine print in the application clearly states that property owners are responsible for the installation themselves.
People cannot find jobs, and when they go to him for help, he says they are begging and gives them two cans of food and a ziplock bag of oats. The people have lost hope. They are stressed and depressed. There are no jobs for the young people. The elderly used to gather and socialize in the community, but now there are no social or recreational facilities for anyone. That is why crime and prostitution are becoming so common in the streets.
I could go on and on, but the bottom line is this: Sowande used the poor and underprivileged to gain power by lying to them. But he cannot lie to God.
You cannot criticize Marlon without also holding Sowande accountable—especially when Sowande has full access to the treasury. Look at Long Look: has anything meaningful been implemented in the district since he became the representative? He continues to lie to the people. He does not represent the 7th District; that is clearly too “small” for him now, since he is busy going to the United Nations to represent us abroad.
Do not worry—soon the truth will come out about the real reason he wants independence. Look at what is happening in St. Vincent, Antigua, Dominica, and now Venezuela. Regional ministers are being closely monitored by the United States.
If he does not represent the district, what is he going to tell the people when the next election comes around? The youth, in particular, are watching him closely. Do not think that using Stacy Mather will win over young voters. And the strategy of relying on Pickering to secure the older voters will not work either.
We also want that greedy bill repealed, and we want retirement benefits and Social Security paid at 65—just like it is for the rest of us.
Funny – Marlon been in politics longer than SOWANDE!!
15 years!
Nothing to show but a * belly and bigger ego.
Has no forward thinking ideas. He’s been a minister with zero, zip, zilch results!!
You must get truckers and trips wid he * belly how you defending his lackluster performance to date! Man can’t even organise a proper team.
You his campaign manager or committee member?!? He probably just lobbying for another 1st class trip from one of he cuzzo on the government side….
LESS!!!