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‘Ranting and Raving’ Premier lacks political maturity — Penn

Penn

Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn has contended that Premier Natalio Wheatley lacks the political maturity necessary to be effective at his job.

“We have a Premier who got on the radio [yesterday], ranting and raving, about all manner of things under the sun except the things that impact the lives of the people of this community and people of this territory,” Penn said during an opposition press conference yesterday.

He continued: “He shows a lack of maturity, political maturity for where we are as a country, a lack of political maturity in terms of dealing and addressing issues of the day.”

Opposition members accused the government of rushing critical legislation through the HOA and of holding first, second, and third readings in one sitting, denying the opportunity for proper debate and for consultation with the public.

Penn pointed to the Trade Commission Act and the Jury Act, which he said were both rushed through the House in the same manner.

The Opposition further accused the government of shoving their questions and the people’s concerns to the end of the House’s agenda and moving the government’s three-hour-long statements to the front.

“We have situations where persons are losing their businesses. On a daily basis, you get calls from the public and the business community of the challenges that they’re facing. People are struggling just to make basic ends, to pay light bill, to feed their families, to put food on the table,” Penn said.

He added: “In a time when the Premier needs to focus on the issues affecting our people and the economy, he’d rather go on the radio and play games, twiddle his thumb, while BVI continues to burn.”

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50 Comments

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  1. The bible said a lil child will lead us all says:

    and that’s what happening now, A LIL BOY LEADING US

    Like 26
  2. HE IS CORRECT says:

    I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING THAT MARLON SAID

    Like 36
    Dislike 2
  3. Styles. says:

    The premier doesn’t just lack political maturity. He’s a child in everything he does.

    Like 36
    Dislike 1
    • Me says:

      This looks of this guys face alone ….Sl**man is better than the guys at appolo.A total.lunyasstic .King Charles /Jaspert what the hell ate guys waiting for come take.over now now

  4. joker says:

    The leader is a comic if yo ask me

    Like 27
    Dislike 1
  5. Amen to Penn says:

    Sowande lacks every type of maturity one can think of, whether political or not. As a country, he is not what we need if we thinking about the best interests of the country. I do not care who on his payroll or his handout roll. This country is in a shambles. People we need to wake up and understand the seriousness of this! BVI is right now the joke of the world. This is a fact. Even the UN should be laughing. Sowande likes to run to them but the UK is a member of the UN… NOT THE BVI…and the UK has VETO powers in the security council. So this s***l minded powerless child need to take several seats and learn from the mature leaders, who he needs to be respecting as a matter of principle. Jesus wept!

    Like 23
    Dislike 2
    • Local says:

      @amen to penn Marlon is no difference to Sowande but if you put yourself against Sowande on the international scale you can’t match up. Sowande is a the helm wether or not you like it and in my opinion this group is best to lead us at this time and if Andrew didn’t get in trouble he would have been there still as Premier I can bet you that.

      Like 6
      Dislike 15
  6. my2cents says:

    Shut up Marlon.

    Like 11
    Dislike 23
  7. The accusations are flying. says:

    It’s like watching a fast moving tennis match between the Opposition and the Government that has resulted in an all out brawl.

    The gloves are all off. Fist flying too. One has to be careful they don’t end up with a whiplash or get hurt in the melae.

    Like 8
    Dislike 1
  8. I would most certainly agree says:

    I heard him on the radio spazzing and ranting, throwing out names and words like a rabid pit bull about to attack. That was unprofessional, embarrassing and narcissistic behavior. I remember saying to myself, what the heck is NatalDrew on today. He drop some gangster street blows on the sitting members of the Opposition. The thing is, NatalDrew is going to do what he wants because he holds the most power in the BVI.

    Like 14
    Dislike 2
    • He sure did says:

      Premier put the Opposition on blast and threw some heavy shade at Ronnie, Mitch, Marlon and Julian. Some people allow power to go to their head and Premier is on a power trip sans he is the most powerful man on Tortola for now because of the title he holds and the slow J..kA..ES that voted for him. You idiots that voted for him hand him the power on a silver platter.

      Like 12
      Dislike 2
  9. To the House of Assembly says:

    Grow up. You are all our elected leaders, quit the playground nonsense and act like the Statesmen we deserve

    Like 9
    Dislike 3
  10. Man oh man says:

    The Premier drop kick the Opposition straight up under the wheels of a moving Amtrak Train. That is such a bad look for the Territory and the people. Not a good look. The Premier is looking out for his best interest and only. So where are we headed to next Mr. Premier on the tax payers dime. Germany? Greece? Figi? Spain?

    Like 11
    Dislike 1
    • @man oh man says:

      If the Premier could have gone to Chile to big up himself about he is going to show support for the BVI athletes he would have done so but he could not dip into the PEOPLES ATM THIS TIME TO PAY FOR THE EXPENSIVE FIRST CLASS SEATS AND EXPENSIVE ACCOMMODATIONS. THE TRAVEL- ITIS PREMIER.

  11. Pt 9 says:

    We to march this boy out of his position.

    Like 7
    Dislike 1
  12. Rubber Duck says:

    Dumb as a rock, lazy as a hog.

    You know who I mean.

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  13. Guava Berry Rum says:

    A leader who does not show the need for family values … Surrounding by a less than beautiful surroundings
    Can you expect a leader who lives like this can view the living conditions of the people of his country to upscale

    We are a product of our environment

  14. The only thing says:

    The Premier knows how to do well is get on a plane, fly first class, stay in the best and most expensive hotels on the expense of the tax payers backs.

    Like 13
    Dislike 1
    • @The only thing says:

      Some of the tax payers CANOT afford to take themselves or their family on a simple vacation out of the Territory, if they manage to do so, they have to plan and save money for months if they can. And here GOES NATANDREW dipping into the taxpayers ATM to finance his first class expensive plane tickets, expensive hotels, the best foods, bodyguards, …

  15. Trevor says:

    Marlon Penn live in the biggest slump district and represent the worst. The Premier can rant all he wants because with all your political maturity the 7 and 8 district were turn into disaster zones by you and Kedrick Pickering. Please stop your nonsense and get out the house of assembly. Your time up with you stupidity.

    Like 7
    Dislike 9
  16. COI says:

    Is it any wonder the COI concluded the BVI lacks integrity and leadership

    Like 13
    Dislike 2
  17. Delilah's fault says:

    He was not elected as premier…Lorna made him premier

    Like 14
    Dislike 1
  18. You not the Premier Marlon! says:

    Marlon you just vex Sowande spank you and those other Opposition clowns on Tola Radio. If you can’t take the heat, get out the kitchen. And if you are so politically mature, why haven’t you been appointed Premier. You can’t lead anybody. If Myron beat he corruption case he going to take the NDP leadership from you. Stop wining and get back to doing the people’s business.

    Like 6
    Dislike 15
  19. D7 says:

    His District 7 is sooo messy Mr. Penn I fully agree with you percent.

    Like 9
    Dislike 1
  20. @COI says:

    History, current evidences and general observations have concluded that the developed nations of Europe, England, United States, Australia and others are in similar to identical positions as was concluded about the territory.

    Who is he then that sets thestandards for/of integrity, and, who determines the criterion and exemplars og. good leadership?

    Is it being suggested, therefore, that the developed world such as UK, US, Israel and others are the bench marks of integretity and great leadership?

    Wow!! Sadly, the world of the mooral majority begs to differ.

  21. Food For Thought says:

    We don’t know as yet which suggestions made it in the Constitution, but these are my personal suggestions.

    1. I think the seat of Premier should come from the
    At-Large Votes. The person with the majority
    Votes.

    2. I think it’s time we halt the Party System and
    Vote for Individuals.

    3. I think during the Campaign period, Candidates
    should sell themselves and Not Party.

    4. I think the First Seven largest Vote Getters
    should form the Government.

    5. The other six Candidates with the most Votes
    should be in the Opposition.

    6. In the event there is a tie, then the Governor
    will be the person to choose who sits where.

    7. The only reason I said the Governor is because
    according to the Chorus, This Territory is
    small and everybody is related.

    8. This Party Politics is stagnating progress in
    our Territory.

    9. There are a few Good people in Government and
    opposition BUT our system is designed to Taint
    the Good instead of changing the Bad.

    10. My reasoning, because of Party Line, even if
    something is bad for the Territory’s Citizens
    and the Territory itself, A Candidate might
    be good and Honest, with good intentions But
    will Vote Yea for it.

    11. I agree with the Hon. Mather who said the
    Members (ALL) of our HOA should sit together
    and find common Grounds as to find a way to
    move our Territory forward in the best
    interest of All the people of this Territory.

    12. We can NEVER go wrong with this type of
    thinking.

    13. I wish ALL the Members of our HOA well,
    especially Hon. Mather and Hon. DR. Dawson.
    By God’s Grace, I hope they make it to the
    Next Term.

    14. Lastly, Not because you are a Politician means
    that you know more or better than the average
    Citizens. All Members of our HOA should
    surround themselves with a few Elderly people
    who will no doubt at a later stage be named as
    Heroes or heroines who will impart some
    Godly advice and guidance which would be to
    their benefit and the territory as a whole.

    RESPECTFUL and INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP is sadly
    lacking in the BVI….

    Everyone who cares about the BVI want to see
    US prosper and do well, But it’s heart –
    wrenching when you look around and it seems
    like all Hope is lost. Let us ALL Pray for our
    BVI.

    Like 6
    Dislike 1
  22. LMAO says:

    THE PREMIER DROP A GOOD A.. WHOPPING ON FRASER, SKELTON, TURNBULL AND PENN ON TOLA RADIO. THOSE FOUR GOT CALLED OUT. DAMNNNNN, I DID NOT KNOW THE PREMIER WAS GANGSTER LIKE THAT.

    Like 4
    Dislike 7
  23. Reality says:

    Ad hominem attacks….a sign of desperation, not that the government is exemplary by a long shot.

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  24. Premier is Human.. says:

    Whenever a living thing Animal or human is pinned against the wall by an aggressor they have two choices. Throw up their hands and give up or fight for their life. Premier was fighting back against the aggressors. Won’t blame him for that. I do blame him for the weak and stagnant economy…Nothing going on, people are hurting and it’s real. He can simply increase the tax free amt as a immediate relief for low income folks..

    Like 2
    Dislike 2
  25. Vex says:

    We never take penn seriously anything he says is treated like a big fat lie and who trust this lazy hog

    Like 1
    Dislike 7
  26. Yawn says:

    Dear Governor, please can you take Sowande with you when you going.

    Like 8
    Dislike 2
  27. Honestly says:

    We the people have to remove the Premier from office ASAP. He is making us look bad on the outside. When I travel and is asked where I am from or reside, I never say the BVI. One time I was asked the question and the person asking the question said so how does it feel living in a Third World Country. I felt so humiliated and embarrassed.

    Like 7
    Dislike 1
    • Citizen says:

      I wouldn’t be embarrassed, especially if it was an American asking that question. Their first world status filled with random shooters killing off people randomly. It’s the new norm in first world America. Now that’s embarrassing.

      Like 1
      Dislike 2
      • @Citizen says:

        Your A.. would have been embraced as well. Do you really understand what Third World really means? Your answer to the comment is simply ignorant and lame. The BVI is also filled with random shooters killing their own kind off. Perhaps you have never done any traveling outside of the BVI and opt to sit under a tree or a rum shop swigging rum all day grinning your teeth/gums talking BS. Reading and traveling is fundamental.

        Like 1
        Dislike 1
  28. WEW says:

    Like I noted weeks ago Sl**ande has lost it.

    Like 8
    Dislike 1
  29. All this…. says:

    Fighting for power and ALPHA DOG and top dog position has to stop. The only top ALPHA is the Universe. It disturbs me at the way these guys are behaving and conducting themselves. Adults should not be conducting themselves in the manner in which they are doing.We are in a state of dismay and we are crashing. The people of the Territory backs is against the wall crying out for mercy. Some working two and three jobs, can’t pay the high rents and have to resort to living in abandon vehicles, pay water bills and have no access to running water to take a decent bath or shower, can hardly feed themselves and their families. Every week when I go into the Supermarket the prices is higher and higher. $6.00 per hour is demeaning. In the US Mc Donalds and other fast food places pay $12-$15 dollars per hour to flip burgers. The crew chief or managers makes a little bit more. You can’t buy bread juice and milk with $6.00.

  30. Boy oh Boy says:

    If sector 7 was still alive, he would have been disappointed in all that is going on. Poor dude was a sacrifice for…………

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
    • @Boy oh Boy says:

      You and a whole lot of people knows exactly and believe what your comment said and is saying it in private. He was given up for sacrifice in order for…… to…….. some find it strange and puzzling that sector 7 would go on vacation during election. We have a lot of demons roaming around the Island that will align with satan to get what they want. Be very careful people, be very careful.

      Like 2
      Dislike 1
  31. @Food For Thought says:

    You left out one of the most critical ones, which many argue is hampering, if not keeping the territory oppressed, stifled and functioning under an gun, an imperialist gun.

    Hence, number 15 should read, and is hopefully in the new constitution, the Virgin Islands people must, from henceforth, be led by all elected officials, and that the Governors post must be an elected office post and elected by the local people of the territory, the right way. The way it should be. The way it is done in civilized democratized societies.

    Like 2
    Dislike 2
  32. It is not his money he is spending says:

    So he could care less, it is not his money that he is spending. It is the same as the tenants that is renting someone’s rental property and they tear up and destroy the rental property. It is not the renters home or property so why should they care. They are not the ones that have to dish out the monies to fix the damage property, the landlord does.

  33. @@ Food For Thought. says:

    The only Person I would trust as an elected Governor
    Is. Mrs. Sonia Webster. Plain and Simple.

  34. Honestly Speaking says:

    Honestly, I have NOTHING against the Premier of the BVI. BUT how he portrayed himself on Tola Radio was like a Gangster mentality unbecoming of a Premier.
    When I listened to him, I could hear those little Thugs with the Gold Chains who dabble in DR*G. Those little Thugs on Scooters who refuge to adhere to the safety rules. Although it might have seemed comical to him and others, But it showed lack of Political maturity. It would be a plus for him to publicly apologize to the general public and afterwards seek to become a Member of the Toast-Masters Club.

  35. Yes he does says:

    He owes the public an apology. For a man in his position, he acted like a street gangster AKA thug on Tola Radio. This s..t is no way funny. The street gangsters AKA thugs was loving it. I’ was waiting to hear the gun shots popping off in the back ground while he was giving his gangster speech and stepping on the Opposition.

  36. Children play says:

    The Premier should be able to take criticism. That is what politics is about call out names of who wants premier sounds so petty and childish
    Of course this is not maturity . Leadership is stopeing to anotherb
    Lower lever. Soon there will be no integrity in leadership

  37. NB says:

    The ‘leader’ is a joke, a clown

  38. @@Citizen says:

    How racist your comment, For example, don not Bris, American, European, Chinese, Japanese and every other nationality kill off their own kind. Say that isn’t so.

    You accused one person of being ignorant by clearly indicating how dastardly ignorant and TRAVELED you are what a pity you have not a mirror into your dumest of minds.

  39. SMH says:

    Cam smurf define ‘Political Maturity ‘?

  40. One love says:

    Y’all vex cause Nat buy land and building house in by the bridge in your district?y’all just salty.

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