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Opposition Leader Marlon Penn has accused the Government of failing to respond with sufficient urgency to the ongoing water crisis, arguing that residents need immediate relief rather than explanations and long-term promises.
In a statement issued in response to the Government's position on the issue, Penn said the administration could no longer blame previous governments after more than seven years in office. He argued that accountability now rests with those currently responsible for the territory's water system.
Penn said residents are less concerned about who is at fault and more focused on the financial hardship caused by prolonged disruptions to the public water supply. According to the Opposition Leader, many households have been forced to spend hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of dollars purchasing water to meet their daily needs.
While acknowledging the importance of infrastructure improvements, including reservoir upgrades and ongoing rehabilitation works, Penn said those initiatives do not address the immediate needs of families struggling without reliable water.
He also questioned why the Government has not yet introduced relief measures if it accepts that residents are facing significant financial burdens. Penn argued that delays in providing assistance only prolong the hardship being experienced by households across the Virgin Islands.
The Opposition Leader further contended that drought and power outages should not be used as excuses, saying effective governments are expected to anticipate such challenges through proper contingency planning and investment in resilient infrastructure.
Penn maintained that the Opposition's calls for assistance are not politically motivated but are intended to support residents facing rising costs because of unreliable public water services. He also expressed support for employees of the Water and Sewerage Department, while criticising the Government for what he described as inadequate planning and a failure to equip the department with the resources needed to effectively serve the public.
Penn also said the people of the Virgin Islands deserve urgent action, meaningful relief, and a Government that treats the water crisis with the seriousness it demands.
In a statement issued in response to the Government's position on the issue, Penn said the administration could no longer blame previous governments after more than seven years in office. He argued that accountability now rests with those currently responsible for the territory's water system.
Penn said residents are less concerned about who is at fault and more focused on the financial hardship caused by prolonged disruptions to the public water supply. According to the Opposition Leader, many households have been forced to spend hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of dollars purchasing water to meet their daily needs.
While acknowledging the importance of infrastructure improvements, including reservoir upgrades and ongoing rehabilitation works, Penn said those initiatives do not address the immediate needs of families struggling without reliable water.
He also questioned why the Government has not yet introduced relief measures if it accepts that residents are facing significant financial burdens. Penn argued that delays in providing assistance only prolong the hardship being experienced by households across the Virgin Islands.
The Opposition Leader further contended that drought and power outages should not be used as excuses, saying effective governments are expected to anticipate such challenges through proper contingency planning and investment in resilient infrastructure.
Penn maintained that the Opposition's calls for assistance are not politically motivated but are intended to support residents facing rising costs because of unreliable public water services. He also expressed support for employees of the Water and Sewerage Department, while criticising the Government for what he described as inadequate planning and a failure to equip the department with the resources needed to effectively serve the public.
Penn also said the people of the Virgin Islands deserve urgent action, meaningful relief, and a Government that treats the water crisis with the seriousness it demands.
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