BVI’s first-ever Junior Minister says post is still relevant

Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn has thrown his support behind retaining and strengthening the position of junior ministers in the BVI, calling for the territory to adopt provisions similar to those outlined in Bermuda’s Constitution.

Speaking during the recent House of Assembly debate on constitutional matters, Penn — who served as the territory’s first Junior Minister — said the role can be a meaningful and productive one if properly defined and empowered.

“I was the first one appointed to this position, and I support the role,” Penn said. “It gives you the opportunity to really support ministers in a meaningful way. Once given the right direction and policy framework, a Junior Minister can function and be an asset to the territory.”

Penn highlighted his tenure as an example of what the role can achieve, pointing to legislative and policy work completed under his watch.

“All the work that was done on the Investment Promotion Act, the Trade Commission, and the new Business Licensing Act was done through my tenure as Junior Minister,” he said. “The government’s overall strategy was also done during that period.”

Penn urged lawmakers to look to Section 63 of the Bermuda Constitution, which clearly defines how junior ministers function, as a model for reforming the Virgin Islands’ own system. He said Bermuda’s approach — which allows the governor, acting on the premier’s advice, to appoint junior ministers from both the Senate and the House — ensures that junior ministers have a clear mandate and authority to assist ministers in performing their duties.

In recent weeks, several legislators have questioned whether the position of Junior Minister remains necessary. Many have suggested that the posts carry little real authority, and have suggested ways to give those holding the posts more authority to make changes while in office.

Penn rejected that view that the posts should be retired, saying the focus should be on clarifying responsibilities and ensuring junior ministers are empowered to deliver results.

He also said the Constitution should be updated to allow for a sixth minister, helping to distribute the government’s workload more effectively.

“We can’t just have a junior minister for the sake of it,” Penn said. “We need to give the position real authority and ensure the system works.”
Penn’s comments come amid discussions on constitutional reform, as elected leaders debate how to strengthen governance structures while maintaining local accountability.