Families of politicians endure backlash too
Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn recently commended the families of elected leaders, stating that they often shoulder the burden of criticisms the public hurls at politicians.
“I want to thank my family for the unwavering support they’ve given me along this journey over the past 12-plus years. Most times when the darts are thrown, the memes are created, and the angles are thrown at politicians, it’s the families that bear the brunt of the criticisms and darts,” Penn said recently in the House of Assembly.
“Not just to my family, but to all the families of members of this House of Assembly: thank you for standing behind us through the good, the awesome, and difficult times we all face as members elected to represent the will of the people of this territory,” Penn added.
Despite public backlash, the BVI remains a safe jurisdiction for people who hold high-ranking public offices, unlike many of its neighbours in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Still, local leaders have often complained about the harsh criticisms levied against them by members of the public who frequent social media platforms and news sites (blogs).
Public figures and elected officials have constantly called for residents to choose their words wisely and refrain from defaming others including those who hold public offices.
Recently, Premier Natalio Wheatley posited that the culture of negativity in the BVI has dissuaded many educated people from returning to the territory after their studies abroad. He said persons should be more responsible when speaking of others on social media as some people are affected when their characters are disparaged online.
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It’s the life you chose to live. It’s called “Political Public Figure.” You will say anything to get elected moreover to win power. You live by the sword you die by the sword and everyone who benefits from it directly or indirectly.
No sympathy here.
Nothing they do or say will paralyze my mind or my imagination Mr. Penn,nor will it separate me from me. My self esteem and self Confidence is through the roof. People WILL talk.
Can the Hon member name the Caribbean islands so mentioned. Premier baby crying slow man is always crying out that he is being bullied. Always shedding tears about online post. Why shouldn’t the families not bear some of the brunt they reap the sweets of the pensions, the Ill gotten gain.
Guys like Myron, Fraser, Ronnie, Vincent, Natalio and Carvin always getting the blunt of the blows, especially Fraser.
What ever come his way he should be able to handle it but he had gospel concert and Also he dealing with a nation it’s his fault he Need to pray about what he’s agreeing to he need to hear the voice of people not do what he think is good for the country or the people.
MAYBE if you politicians quit pissing away our money with nothing to show for it we wouldn’t be so hostile towards you.
Ha ha joy went to shop thinking she was going to be First Lady lol keep dreaming joy not in a 100 years
Give the people transparency and none of this will be an issue.
When they are first in line to reap the benefits they don’t complain do they? It comes with the territory. Y’all know what you get yourselves into when you run for office. Don’t act brand new. Harsh criticism will follow everyone. From the moment anyone decides to run for office, friends, family, even your primary school teachers are under the spotlight. So please, tell the family to toughen up, everyone knows that this is nothing new. Once nobody spraying y’all expensive vehicles or egging y’all windows, y’all good to go. In the end it’s what you choose to pay mind to.
@top. Haha haha. This is funny.
Poor Smurf playing victim. The public can see through you Smurf. Enough with the charade.
And people like you are part of the problem.There is no real criticism yall just want to insult and offend. Just because they signed up to be a public POLITICAL figure does not mean you can say and do anything to them what kind effed up mindset is that? The age of social media normalised a lot of immorality. You’re a human too you should at least be able to EMPATHISE unless you’re a sociopath? And consider the bigger picture some of these politicians have school aged children and bullying as we’ve seen is a real thing in the bvi and they way some yall talk among children you don’t think the spewing the same nonsense? Yall too small minded and short sighted and that’s a major problem here. Anyway carry on jackass