Penn urges voters to get re-engaged in electoral process
Penn
Opposition member Marlon Penn has urged Virgin Islanders to reconnect with the democratic process, warning that disengagement will not fix the territory’s challenges.
Penn appeared on the Talking Points programme and addressed voter disenchantment, noting that residents must take an active role in shaping the territory’s future, even if they feel frustrated with both government and opposition.
“This is our country and you have a democratic right to elect the government that you want to see leading your country moving forward,” Penn stated.
He acknowledged that some voters may feel disenchanted, but argued that withdrawing from the process would only worsen the situation. “Sitting on the wayside wouldn’t fix the problem. The problem is not going to go away if you’re disconnected,” Penn stated, adding that he and his colleagues have a responsibility to reconnect with the electorate. “I have a duty to re-engage people of the territory,” he noted.
He pointed to a recent public meeting in East End where dozens of residents raised concerns and proposed solutions. “We had about 40 or 50 people from the community just come out and just express their concerns on a local level, on a national level,” he said.
According to Penn, similar engagements are planned territory-wide. “We’re going to knock on every door, talk with persons, sit in their living rooms, talk with the families,” he stated.
He added that the intention is not to lecture residents but to listen. “We’re not coming to tell you what we’re going to do. We want to hear what you feel about the country moving forward and how we can work collaboratively to build a better Virgin Islands for all of us,” Penn said.
Voter turnout in recent general elections has been lower than in previous cycles, a trend that has drawn concern in public discussions. Political observers have noted that reduced participation can affect representation and policy direction.
Penn said rebuilding trust requires consistent grassroots engagement and open dialogue in every district. He maintained that citizens must use their vote and voice to influence governance.
“We have a duty as elected members to persons who are vying for office to engage the people of our territory,” he said.
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We have to be inspired to get re-engaged in the voter process and unfortunately you are not able to do that Hon. Penn. You do not have the leadership ability to take the BVI out of the mess that we are in. A small clique around you are doing a disservice to you and the country by making you think differently for their own benefit. It looks like 4 years of the VIP.
Marlon please give this a rest. You are not the person. You do not have the ability or the confidence of people. As minister of health you were not good. You were worse than Vincent Wheatley. Your district is in a terrible state and the NDP that you have been in charge of for the last 6 or 7 years is a dysfunctional grouping. Are you tone deaf Hon. Penn? People don’t have any confidence in you. Stop forcing yourself on us.
I aint see nobody to vote for
The only certain thing is not to vote for any one of the HOAdirty13.
ALL13MUSTGO.
The VI is not safe in these peoples hands.
We will be better taking a lottery and voting in anyone but these jokers as long as it is not the former Speaker, COS-C, Bish C, or Troy C. and basically try and avoid any old school selfish greedy thinkers.
Marlon is not inspiring one bit. The NDP has a guaranteed loss once he is the leader. It looks like the NDP is blind. Everybody could see that Marlon is not leadership material except them? So, they don’t care what the people think they will put up somebody who they know we have no faith in. They will learn because I will not be voting for the NDP.
I was a NDP strong. However , infighting has severely damaged the infrastructure of the party.
Myron, who is a stronger leader has been marginalized for power. I have never seen hate so publicly displayed. It’s distasteful. If you want a strong leader to lead this country , you must first humble yourselves as servants. Recognize your strengths and support the strengths of others. The message that you guys are sending does not seem genuine.Because it shows a lack of caring for each other and it’s all about self and self promotion. I am so disappointed in persons that I have valued over the years. Your thought process shows that you are a bunch of jealous incapable persons. Love , hate and envy cannot dwell in the same chambers. Come election day.I cannot guarantee that I will stick with NDP all the way.NDP poster represents the family. Bring back that genuine family love.So those around you can feel it.
We don’t have smart & healthy ppl in govt. We have ppl in bad marriages and living situations who don’t have peace in their lives. We have ppl who can’t sleep and suffer anxiety. We have ppl who reject God and morality advising leadership on our behalf. There is nothing to be inspired about. All of you must make some sort of personal change to be better and all of you refuse to evaluate yourselves and act on it.
AS IT IS WITH FRASER, SO IT IS WITH WALYN. REMBEMBER THAT.
Badmindness and fight for power is slowly bringing the country to ruine.
At least Marlon is loyal all the others were jumping like grasshoppers
Those hiding behind All 13 must go is not one bit better$$ and power give rise to loyalty and support
All the others were moving away from him. What do you think was happening? He was and is the problem. He seize the party as his own and nobody has no confidence in him.