Penn Rejects Stacy Mather Comparison
Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn says his record shows consistent principle, not opportunism, after being asked to respond to comparisons with former opposition member Stacy Mather. Speaking on the Talking Points radio programme, Penn defended his past criticism of government policy while in the unity government and acknowledged one government decision he supports — borrowing for infrastructure — but warned about poor execution.
Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn has rejected suggestions that his approach to criticism and praise depends on which side of the House he occupies, insisting his record demonstrates consistency rather than convenience. Penn made the comments during an appearance on the Talking Points radio programme with host Damion Grange, who raised the example of former opposition member Stacy Mather.
Grange said Mather had been a vocal critic of the government before crossing the floor, but recently praised the government’s utilities bill and forcefully countered Opposition concerns during debate. The host asked whether a lawmaker’s tone simply follows which side they sit on. “He will have to speak to the voters when an election is called; he’ll be judged accordingly,” Penn replied, saying it is ultimately for voters to assess Mather’s switch.
When Grange turned the question on Penn — pointing to his time in the former unity government — Penn pushed back on any suggestion his positions shifted for political convenience. “I’m consistent,” Penn said, stressing that he supported policies he believed were in the public interest but would not hesitate to speak out when he disagreed.
He pointed to past debates about proposals to turn the Water and Sewerage Department into a statutory organisation, saying he was “very adamant and very clear” with the minister at the time that he did not support that move. “If something is good, I’m going to call it good,” Penn added, “not just because of the position I’m in.” He reiterated that his stance on major policy issues has remained steady even when he sat on the government side.
Pressed to name government actions he believes have benefited residents, Penn admitted examples were limited but singled out the decision to borrow to address the territory’s infrastructural needs. However, he warned the benefit of borrowing depends on execution. “The challenge that I have is the way that [the government] executed that money,” he said, cautioning that without a clear plan and vision for spending taxpayer funds the long-term impact could be burdensome for residents.
For BVI voters, the exchange underscores two ongoing local concerns: the accountability of elected representatives when they change allegiances and the scrutiny of public borrowing and infrastructure spending. Penn said voters will have the final say at the ballot box, and urged careful oversight of how government funds are planned and spent.
Primary source: BVI News