We betrayed the trust of the voters — Penn
Opposition Leader and National Democratic Party (NDP) chairman Marlon Penn has admitted that political divisions within the opposition movement damaged public confidence and betrayed voters’ trust in the Virgin Islands.
Penn made the remarks during an appearance on the Talking Points programme this week, where he discussed governance issues, the reunification of opposition forces and preparations for the next general election.
Speaking about the reunification of the NDP, the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) and Alliance members, Penn said party leaders had reflected on past disagreements and acknowledged the effect those disputes had on the electorate.
“We’ve betrayed the trust of the people and the voters with our actions over the years,” Penn stated. “And I think it’s unfair. And … we’ve been held accountable for that.”
“The elections have shown, the results have shown that the people are not happy with what we did and the way that we behaved,” Penn stated.
All of us put our differences at the side
According to Penn, opposition figures recently held private discussions aimed at resolving longstanding disagreements.
“All of us put our differences at the side. We had frank, open conversations, discussions about what happened — where we are, where we need to go. And we decided to move forward,” Penn said.
Penn also insisted the newly reunited NDP would remain together heading into the next election despite public scepticism about previous political alliances collapsing before polling day.
“I absolutely believe so,” Penn said when asked whether the current coalition would survive until elections. “The men and women in the room gave their words.”
The opposition leader argued that rebuilding public trust would depend on sustained public engagement and consistent leadership.
“I have proven with my leadership that I’m consistent, I’m loyal, I’m dedicated to the cause of this country, organisation and the people of the Virgin Islands,” Penn stated.
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He will know mark left
Marlon betrayed the people’s trust by deliberately not being there for the vote of no confidence because Myron was the leader of the opposition. When the opposition had press conferences Marlon and Ronnie did not show up because Myron was the leader of the Opposition. We the people are not as dumb as the politicians think we are. Now you are leader of the opposition you will want cooperation that you did not give to Myron? If I was Myron I was not studying you one bit!
All we want is for you to get rid of the Greedy Bill and give back the money. You agree to that and you get the votes!!!!!
You have done nothing for our district for years and now you want to run a whole country when you could not run a district? Miss me with that
Mark done jump the fence long time
The BVI is heading north where. What really is the difference between Natalio and Marlon? It’s like picking the best of the worst. I cry for my beloved country
All I want to hear from Marlon is that he giving back to greedy bill money that he colluded with the VIP and Andrew Fahie to take from the people. Not interested in hearing anything more.
Yes. We know that all elected officials betrayed the trust of the voters. That’s why we are going to vote out all 13 next year.
To late Marlon and then again I heard you was one for the GREEDY BILL and didn’t want to retract or take a cut, thanks for showing us who u really are, stop the acting man because you ain’t good at it
these man just about making money and ego
IF MARK AND MYRON JOIN THE RULING VIP ADMINISTRATION I MIGHT CONSIDER VOTING FOR THEM. BUT AS FOR NOW THE ANSWER IS NO!! I’M NOT VOTING. I DON’T CARE WHAT ANYONE HAS TO SAY!!!! I SAID WHAT I SAID!! BECAUSE NDP IS GOING NOWHERE.
All the faith was ruined by the Dr. Smith rein. That’s where it all started. They could not deal with the aftermath of Irma because the cupboards were dry.
Even the picture of him look lazy. NDP
Is a joke