Penn: Government Using Funds as Slush
Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn accused the government of directing borrowed infrastructure money toward politically motivated projects, calling it an ‘election slush fund’. He urged transparency and a strategic, territory-wide plan for roads, water and sewage instead of piecemeal spending.
Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn has accused the Virgin Islands Government of using public money earmarked for infrastructure as an “election slush fund,” questioning the fairness and strategy behind recent road works across the territory. Speaking during a radio interview, Penn focused on how borrowed funds — including a referenced $100 million — are being allocated for development projects.
He said residents continue to suffer from deteriorating roads and ageing public infrastructure despite significant borrowing, and warned that the pattern of spending appears politically motivated. “We have to be so careful how this $100 million is spent,” Penn said, adding: “We as an opposition can’t allow the government to use the public funds as an election slush fund.” He described inconsistencies in project selection, noting that drivable roads in some districts are being replaced while major thoroughfares with large potholes and heavy traffic remain unaddressed.
Penn argued the territory does not lack resources but rather suffers from poor project management and execution. He called for a coordinated, comprehensive plan covering roads, water distribution and sewage systems — not a piecemeal approach that prioritises some communities over others based on political considerations.
Residents have long complained about road conditions and intermittent water supply, issues Penn said directly affect quality of life and contribute to higher living costs through increased vehicle repairs and daily inconvenience. He acknowledged that borrowing to fix infrastructure can be justified, but stressed the need for accountability and measurable improvements to ensure long-term economic benefit.
With borrowing limits and repayment obligations looming in coming years, Penn said it is essential that funds be spent efficiently and equitably. The opposition intends to press for clarity on how projects are selected, timelines for completion, and guarantees that works deliver durable results rather than short-term cosmetic fixes.
The representative urged the government to publish a strategic infrastructure plan and to engage with communities across the islands to prioritise critical routes and utility upgrades. For BVI residents, the stakes include safer travel, lower maintenance costs for vehicles, reliable water service and the prudent management of public debt.
Penn’s comments add to ongoing public discussion about transparency, fiscal responsibility and how best to translate borrowed funds into tangible, long-term improvements for people across the Virgin Islands.
Primary source: BVI News