Penn Urges Voters to Re-Engage
Opposition figure Marlon Penn has called on Virgin Islanders to reconnect with the democratic process, warning that disengagement will worsen the territory’s challenges. He says his team will hold community meetings and door‑to‑door visits to listen to residents and rebuild trust ahead of future elections.
Opposition member Marlon Penn is urging Virgin Islanders to get back involved in the electoral process, arguing that disengagement will not solve the territory’s problems and may make them worse. Speaking on the Talking Points programme, Penn acknowledged voter disenchantment with both the government and opposition but stressed that leaving the political arena empty-handed only cedes influence to others. “This is our country and you have a democratic right to elect the government that you want to see leading your country moving forward,” he said.
Penn warned that “sitting on the wayside wouldn’t fix the problem. The problem is not going to go away if you’re disconnected,” and said elected representatives have a duty to reconnect with the electorate. He framed re-engagement as a two-way process: politicians must listen and residents must use their vote and voice to shape policy and leadership.
He pointed to a recent public meeting in East End as an example of what he hopes to replicate territory‑wide. “We had about 40 or 50 people from the community just come out and just express their concerns on a local level, on a national level,” Penn said. The meeting included residents raising concerns and proposing local solutions, he added.
To broaden that dialogue, Penn said his team plans to hold more community meetings across the islands and conduct door‑to‑door visits. “We’re going to knock on every door, talk with persons, sit in their living rooms, talk with the families,” he said, stressing the intention is to listen rather than lecture. “We’re not coming to tell you what we’re going to do.
We want to hear what you feel about the country moving forward and how we can work collaboratively to build a better Virgin Islands for all of us.” Declining voter turnout in recent general elections has sparked public concern, with observers warning that lower participation can affect representation and the policy direction of the territory.
For residents, that means decisions on issues such as public services, economic recovery and local infrastructure can be shaped by a smaller, less representative slice of the population. Penn said rebuilding trust requires consistent grassroots engagement and open dialogue in every district.
He reiterated that elected members have a responsibility to engage the people who may be disenchanted and encouraged citizens to remain active in democratic processes so the territory’s future reflects the will of its people.
Primary source: BVI News