People must be able to remove elected officials — Penn
Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn has voiced his support for recall legislation, which allows voters to remove underperforming politicians from office.
The call comes amid growing public dissatisfaction with government performance and a perceived lack of accountability among elected officials.
Penn, a prominent opposition figure, accused the government of mismanaging the territory’s resources and lacking transparency. He insisted that a mechanism must give voters the power to hold elected officials accountable between elections.
“It’s something I support,” Penn stated. “I have no reservations on this. I’m putting on the public record that I support recall legislation, because if people are not performing, people need to have some recourse in which they can remove persons from office.”
He explained that the situation was even more urgent given the circumstances that the territory found itself in with the arrest and conviction of former Premier Andrew Fahie.
Meanwhile, Penn expressed serious concerns about the lack of transparency in public spending, citing a recent incident where the Premier refused to answer questions about financial matters in the House of Assembly. Penn warned that this behaviour could lead the BVI down a “dangerous precedent” and a “slippery slope” reminiscent of issues that led to the Commission of Inquiry (COI).
Penn’s stance aligns with recommendations from the COI report, which suggested that the implementation of recall legislation could be done through statute.
According to the COI report, “the absence of a recall mechanism is a significant democratic deficit in the territory.” It further noted that “there is a strong case for introducing a recall mechanism to allow the electorate to hold their representatives accountable between elections.”
Implementing such a mechanism could significantly impact the political landscape of the BVI, providing voters with a more direct means of influencing government performance.
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elected officials are uk/british public servants/civil servants serving members of the public. their duties are to serve the members of the public and the entire community that we live in.
be careful what you wish for Marlon
They only spout these tales when in opposition- when in office not a word said- PLEASE
The only problem with this proposal is that we wouldn’t have enough elected officials left to form a government. On the other hand, a benevolent dictatorship would be far less costly and would likely result in something getting done, as opposed to the useless pandering we’re subjected to now.
It is spot on what my2cents said, everyone working in public sector works for the public. Its completely misunderstood in BVI, from top to bottom!
The Premier wont tell where finances for Festival has gone, when you deal with public officers you have to have your hat in your hand and beg to be serviced. Everything is done at their convenience and the red tape flows in abundance.
Transparency is a must and not for the Premier or the representatives to decide.
I believe BVI has a Democracy or?????
How much more evidences do the voting populace need to confirm, that from the last six administration at least, were and are led by our people who did not, have not and will not ever put country before self, minus one or two souls of course..
Sadly, despite seeing the dire need for new leadership, in the form of a new and progressive party formed by honest people, our people continue to vote for backwards ever, forward never, self enriching individuals who see the government coffers as their personal piggy bank..
It appears clear that, politics have long since stop working for the people, average man or woman or country. Our politics and politicians are in dire need POLITICAL HYGIENE!
When we need a new medical specialist, a second opinion for a diagnosis, a new vehicle or other, we seek and place them. Why do we think that political none functioning parties are not changeable or need scraped entirely, for better visionary, insightful, inspired and imaginative individuals and leadership??
What have we come to lord? Roads get an onionskin covering just before election, and everyone becomes elated, politically blind, as the politically immature and the buyers and supporters of a particular party go to the pool and vote in acquaintances, friend, family and political immaturity.
Hence, we shall continue to take home whatever we buy. If NDP had keep their oath with the people and pay them their increments over four administrations and not leave them wanting, they would be in office today, and all civil servants, active and retired would be happier and willing to give them continued support.
Therefore, even if people are granted the power in between elections, if clean politicall hygiene hands, hearts and minds are not placed, what difference will it make?
If i had a chance I’d removed the entire HOA members
Smurf will be the first to go old weak fool
Oh please, it’s good when the shoe is on the other foot. People who do not perform has to be traine,motivated or counseled. Silliness about people must remove politicians.they should remove you.
Is Ronnie the smurf? Is LORNA a smurf?