Premier should welcome no-confidence motion

Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn has called on Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley to embrace the Opposition’s no-confidence motion rather than shy away from it.

Speaking on Tola Radio recently, Penn said the motion is an opportunity for the Premier to defend his administration’s record and prove its effectiveness to the people of the Virgin Islands.

“As a leader, you should welcome a vote of no confidence. It gives you an opportunity… to say to the people what me and my administration have been doing for this country. What is he afraid of?” Penn asked.

Penn contrasted Wheatley’s approach to previous administrations, citing the leadership of former Premier Dr D Orlando Smith’s NDP administration, which faced multiple no-confidence motions without resorting to stalling tactics. He explained that during their time, “We had over three votes of no-confidence. Honourable Fraser brought two, and Honourable Fahie brought one, and we welcomed them.”

Penn pointed out that they did not fill the HOA’s agenda with unnecessary items or use delays to avoid the vote.

“We didn’t pad the order paper with a set of papers and two-plus hours of statements. We didn’t come and bring things for second and third readings that all of a sudden became a priority because there was a no-confidence on the order paper,” he stated.

According to Penn, Premier Wheatley’s actions ahead of the no-confidence debate show a clear intent to sidestep the process. He expressed concern about the Premier’s decision to schedule the budget speech for October 29, followed by Standing Finance Committee discussions, which could further delay the motion.

“What he is doing, is trying to stymie the process. He is blatant about his actions… trying to manipulate democracy,” Penn argued. The no-confidence motion comes as part of the ongoing debate over the state of governance and economic management in the territory. Penn voiced concerns about the direction the country is heading under the current administration, claiming that the consequences of the leadership style are becoming more apparent.

“These elections have consequences… you’re seeing the consequences of the type of leadership that we have in this country and the impact it is having on the overall economy, the infrastructure, and just the people of the territory.”