Beautiful Virgin Islands

Friday, Jul 04, 2025

Opposition Weak, Lacks Leadership-Fahie

Opposition Weak, Lacks Leadership-Fahie

Premier Hon. Andrew Fahie believes that the opposition headed by Opposition Leader Hon. Marlon Penn of the National Democratic Party (NDP), is weak and lacks leadership and direction.
Hon. Fahie, Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) in a statement on February 5 said that Hon. Alvera Maduro-Caines, Sixth District Representative character is being viciously attacked because she left the NDP and joined the VIP.

“The NDP’s history is one in which the voices of women were ignored. They ignored the stern warnings of the late Hon. Delores Christopher on important governance issues. Now, Hon. Penn is doing no different by trying to belittle another woman for doing what is best for the BVI; her having no tolerance left for his lack of leadership,” he said.

Following Maduro-Caines’ move, the opposition has shrunk to four members representing three political parties. Hon. Penn and Hon. Mark Vanterpool-NDP; Hon. Melvin Turnbull- Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM); and Hon. Julian Fraser- Progressives United (PU).

Hon. Fahie said that Hon. Maduro-Caines believes she can make a greater contribution to national development by working with a strong Government and supporting a strong plan, than propping up a weak Opposition that has no leadership nor direction.

He said, the unfortunate attacks include the spreading of vicious rumours to try to damage the character of the Hon. Maduro-Caines.

“While we in the VIP empathise with Hon. Penn for the sadness and embarrassment that he is no doubt feeling at this time, we cannot allow certain inaccurate and unfounded statements by him to be slipped into the public record without them being properly addressed,” the VIP leader stressed.

He claimed that it is clear that Hon. Penn’s statements are intended to covertly attack the character of Hon. Maduro-Caines for the principled and conscience stance she has taken.

“We know Hon. Maduro-Caines to be humble, soft spoken, and hardworking. That is one of the reasons why the people of District 6 love her. It is very disappointing that the Leader of the Opposition is now speaking negative about Hon. Maduro-Caines.”

Premier Fahie said that, this kind of unacceptable behaviour from Hon. Penn is typical of the abusive treatment that many women in society face at the hands of persons who would rather they be kept in a submissive state.

“Clearly, Hon. Penn’s numbers in the HOA have diminished. He feels slighted by Hon. Maduro-Caines loss of confidence in him, and he feels personally rejected by her decision to join the Government. Thus, his reaction to his ego being bruised is to lash out against her. This kind of behaviour is unacceptable because women in our society deserve to be treated with respect,” he claimed.

He reiterated that the sixth district representative was not induced into joining the Government’s team by anyone.

“There was no bartering with the franchise of the electorate of the 6th District. This was a decision that the Hon. Member came to after making her own observations about the social, political and economic environment, conducting her own deliberations, engaging in prayer and contemplation, and reflecting on what is best for the people who have chosen her to make decisions that impact heavily on their lives,” the VIP chairman emphasized.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
DJI Launches Heavy-Duty Coaxial Quadcopter with 80 kg Lift Capacity
U.S. Senate Approves Major Legislation Dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History Announced by DOJ
Poland Implements Border Checks Amid Growing Migration Tensions
Political Dispute Escalates Between Trump and Musk
Emirates Airline Expands Market Share with New $20 Million Campaign
Amazon Reaches Milestone with Deployment of One Millionth Robot
US Senate Votes to Remove AI Regulation Moratorium from Domestic Policy Bill
Yulia Putintseva Calls for Spectator Ejection at Wimbledon Over Safety Concerns
Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Yield Partial Verdict in Serious Criminal Charges
House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Former Jill Biden Aide Amid Investigation into Alleged Concealment of President Biden's Cognitive Health
King Charles Plans Significant Role for Prince Harry in Coronation
Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Espionage Activities Against U.S. Navy
Amazon Reaches Major Automation Milestone with Over One Million Robots
Extreme Heat Wave Sweeps Across Europe, Hitting Record Temperatures
Meta Announces Formation of Ambitious AI Unit, Meta Superintelligence Labs
Robots Compete in Football Tournament in China Amid Injuries
Trump Administration Considers Withdrawal of Funding for Hospitals Providing Gender Treatment to Minors
Texas Enacts Law Allowing Gold and Silver Transactions
China Unveils Miniature Insect-Like Surveillance Drone
OpenAI Secures Multimillion-Dollar AI Contracts with Pentagon, India, and Grab
Marc Marquez Claims Victory at Dutch Grand Prix Amidst Family Misfortune
Germany Votes to Suspend Family Reunification for Asylum Seekers
Elon Musk Critiques Senate Budget Proposal Over Job Losses and Strategic Risks
Los Angeles Riots ended with Federal Investigations into Funding
Budapest Pride Parade Draws 200,000 Participants Amid Government Ban
Southern Europe Experiences Extreme Heat
Xiaomi's YU7 SUV Launch Garners Record Pre-Orders Amid Market Challenges
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Lavish Wedding in Venice
Russia Launches Largest Air Assault on Ukraine Since Invasion
Education Secretary Announces Overhaul of Complaints System Amid Rising Parental Grievances
Massive Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Belgrade
Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada Over Digital Services Tax
UK Government Softens Welfare Reform Plans Amid Labour Party Rebellion
Labour Faces Rebellion Over Disability Benefit Reforms Ahead of Key Vote
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Host Lavish Wedding in Venice Amid Protests
Trump Asserts Readiness for Further Strikes on Iran Amid Nuclear Tensions
North Korea to Open New Beach Resort to Boost Tourism Economy
UK Labour Party Faces Internal Tensions Over Welfare Reforms
Andrew Cuomo Hints at Potential November Comeback Amid Democratic Primary Results
Curtis Sliwa Champions His Vision for New York City Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Federal Reserve Proposes Changes to Capital Rule Affecting Major Banks
EU TO HUNGARY: LET THEM PRIDE OR PREP FOR SHADE. ORBÁN TO EU: STAY IN YOUR LANE AND FIX YOUR OWN MESS.
Trump Escalates Criticism of Media Over Iran Strike Coverage
Trump Announces Upcoming US-Iran Meeting Amid Controversial Airstrikes
Trump Moves to Reshape Middle East Following Israel-Iran Conflict
Big Four Accounting Firms Fined in Exam Cheating Scandal
NATO Members Agree to 5% Defense Spending Target by 2035
Australia's Star Casino Secures $195 Million Rescue Package Amid Challenges
UK to Enhance Nuclear Capabilities with Acquisition of F-35A Fighter Jets
×