Penn claims gov’t member left budget session for social media live

Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn has called out a member of the current government, whom he said left a Standing Finance meeting to engage in a social media live session.

Penn did not give the name of the government legislator, but he said he thought the person left the meeting for a much needed break. Shortly afterwards, Penn said he saw the person “pop up live” (on social media).

“We had situations where, for several (budget) sessions, ministers weren’t present. And just like today, where they need the Opposition to pass this budget, it was the Opposition that ensured that the [budget] process was facilitated and that we got through that process,” Penn told the House of Assembly as the legislature debated the 2024 budget.

Penn continued: “Our first call of duty is to this honourable House and not to any ministry or any obligation outside and not to go out and take photo opportunities. Once, we were in there (in the budget meeting) discussing, and I saw a member pop up live (on social media). I thought the member went outside to get a coffee but the member was out there on a live while we were in there trying to get the budget passed for the benefit of the people. This was a member of the government.”

Penn urged legislators to take the budget process seriously, adding that his aim was to admonish in love as the budget is important to residents and the BVI economy.

At the same time, Penn applauded Deputy Premier Lorna Smith, saying she was steadfast throughout the budget process and supported the Opposition well as they moved the budget process along. He also said there were times when only one government member was present in Standing Finance meetings, along with Opposition members.

Penn’s statement comes amid many made in recent weeks by Opposition members who have been giving the impression that members of the current government don’t have the stamina or maturity to engage in the rigorous legislative process. At a recent press conference, Opposition members said they’ve caught government members falling asleep during high-level meetings where decisions of national importance are made.