Penn: Gov’t using public funds as election slush fund
Marlon Penn
Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn has accused the government of using public funds earmarked for infrastructure as what he described as an “election slush fund”, arguing that the approach to road repairs across the Virgin Islands lacks strategy and fairness.
Speaking during a recent radio interview, Penn raised concerns about how borrowed funds are being allocated, particularly in relation to road infrastructure. He said the territory’s deteriorating roads and ageing public infrastructure continue to affect residents’ daily lives despite significant borrowing for development projects.
“We have to be so careful how this $100 million is spent,” he stated, while referencing government borrowing and fiscal limitations. He added that the opposition has a duty to ensure accountability in public spending, noting, “We as an opposition can’t allow the government to use the public funds as an election slush fund. Essentially, what you’re seeing is that they’re using it as an election slush fund,” Penn said.
Penn argued that some roads in poor condition, including heavily trafficked main routes, remain unaddressed while other projects are prioritised. He described what he sees as inconsistencies in infrastructure works, saying existing drivable roads are being replaced in some districts while major roadways with potholes remain in a deplorable state.
“It’s obvious in terms of the approach that’s being taken,” he said when asked whether there was a political strategy behind recent infrastructure activity.
We don’t have a shortage of money
Penn also stressed that the territory does not have a shortage of money but rather issues related to management and execution of projects. He contended that infrastructure such as roads, water distribution and sewage systems requires a comprehensive and coordinated plan rather than what he described as a piecemeal approach.
Penn further highlighted long-standing complaints from residents about road conditions and water supply, noting that these challenges directly affect quality of life and increase the cost of living due to vehicle repairs and daily inconvenience.
According to Penn, while borrowing to address infrastructure was a reasonable decision, the effectiveness of spending remains the key concern. He said the territory must ensure that funds are used in ways that deliver measurable improvements and long-term economic benefit, particularly given borrowing limits and repayment obligations over the coming years.
He maintained that the opposition will continue to call for a clear strategic plan for infrastructure development, including roads and water distribution, as part of broader efforts to improve public services and economic stability in the territory.
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As a citizen I do not want to hear anything from certain members of the opposition and Penn is one. The government has been mismanaging our funds for years. The vote no confidence contained all the problems facing the BVI financially under the Premier Wheatley. I understand that you sat in your car outside of the House of Assembly to avoid supporting the vote of no confidence because it was brought by Hon. Walwyn. You let the people down because of a personal gripe. You are immature. Now you are complaining and expect us to believe that you care? Hon. Penn, many of us see you. An under cover power hungry man with puffed up ambitions for a position that you are not nearly qualified to hold.
Pencil is right, I agree he might have been vindictive or coward, or maybe he was playing games with the vote of no confidence, However, Pencil is spot on about the millions of taxpayers’ dollars about to be squandered in the next election. Where I think Pencil lost most of the voters is when he secretly sat 12 ministers and accepted the 2 greedy bills. I award no points to all 13
Rest me down you are soooo right. Couldn’t agree with you more….
That’s what NDP did too, you all do it! That ain’t no secret – it is just the opposing side that is out of power squealing about it, but then you do the exact same thing.
All of you in the HOA only care for yourselves, not a damn thought about Country and the people you were elected to serve!
all 13 must backed the same people and cannot get their way now so they forming a party. Go sit down
ALL 13 MUST GO!
Who going fill the spots ??
What’s the 13 alternatives?
WAIT AND SEE
The pensioners are being ignored. We need our $1000.00 dollars increased on our small, baby pension before all 13 gone.
Thank You
because you all didn’t get your wishes. Miss us with that. Give what you have to give and move on. you all are corrupt.
Tell us something new Mr. Penn.
Though we do not have first hand knowledge of the elected 13 corruption and kick back deals, it is plain to assume from the track of policies and non attention to the country’s and people’s needs what is actually taking place.
Money and greed are the two MAJOR CORRUPTIVE FORCES that are running this country today.
One can only imagine the amount of WHITE ENVELOPES that are being filled at the moment.
Thwerefoer, that is not democracy we have but, a kleptoscrisy and kakastocrisy.
Who would have thought that these Virgins would have sunk so low. They are even giving governments in Africa and the developed world steep competition in corrupttion.
100 Million Dollars aint no joke. I wonder what Dawson meant when he said they are fixing what other’s cannot or didnot, Negro please ain’t nothing getting fixed other than the holes in your pocket!
we are thankful. but what if the former government did not leave anything in place what would the VIP boast? 7 years to do what could have been completed within 3 years after the hurricanes.
Ask Marlon if he write to refuse the greedy bill money and he need to show us the letter.
Ask all of them
Some of them was there saying how they not taking a dime of it up to now they cant send that letter stating that they don’t want it. making excuses about they not ready to retire yet if you believe that it is wrong fundamentally and you not taking it send the letter!
Was right Infront of Marlon to address the the way the tax dollars are spent. It was the tool of no confidence, but in your WhatsApp chat group with natalio and Claude and Ronnie and others, you decided natalio will remain in power and he took you on trips to Asia with Lorna, and you went to see the kangaroos in Australia. You Marlon penn is a sell out wishing you had the ability of even Ronnie and of course Myron.
You are posit yourself as leadership material, but that takes time to learn.
Marlon please sing and pray for that motion of no confidence brought by Myron sent by the people to just reappear again to vindicate the BVI, because by not using it when Myron brought it, now give the people the perception that all 13 must go.
Added to that remember at the last election the NDP along with Fraser and ronnie side won the election, but power struggle prevented you all from being the government today, and Myron was not in the power struggle, it was you Marlon , Ronnie and Fraser along with Lorna craving for the taste of power.