Opposition Members Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) and Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) have accepted the invitation from Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. WHeatley (R7) to accompany him on the upcoming trade mission to Asia. Photo: GIS/File

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D Wheatley (R7) will lead an Asia Trade Mission to Hong Kong, Macau and Malaysia beginning on February 14, 2025. Photo: GIS/File

The Asia-Pacific region continues to be a high-value market for the Virgin Islands’ Financial Services industry. Photo: Internet Source

In a gutsy bi-partisan move, the Premier has invited two Opposition legislators to join his delegation- Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) of the National Democratic Party and Independent Hon Lorna G. Smith OBE (AL).

Hon Penn confirmed his invitation on public radio yesterday, Thursday, February 6, 2025, while a guest on ‘Da Morning Braff’ with host Floyd P. Burnett, aka 'Heritage' on Tola Radio VI FM 100.5. Hon Penn stated, “The premier has invited me to go with him to Asia and I have accepted”.

Hons Penn & Smith in bi-partisan move

Also on the trip, according to multiple sources familiar with the planning, will be former Deputy Premier and Territorial member Hon Lorna G. Smith. It is believed she was invited because of her keen interest in the Financial Services sector.

The Asia-Pacific region continues to be a high-value market for the Virgin Islands’ Financial Services industry, as the region generates significant business for the VI, according to Premier Wheatley in a press statement.

He noted “We have built some strong relationships there – which we must continue to strengthen. It is also important for us to ensure that we create awareness of our offerings and remind players why the VI is the best place to do business”.

Neither Premier Wheatley nor Hon Smith responded to our request for a comment. 

Guavaberry Media's erroneous Headline

On Thursday, February  6, 2025, one local discredited tabloid- Guavaberry Media- which got wind of Hon Smith joining the Asia delegation, claimed in a debunked headline that Hon Smith was rejoining the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government.

This has since been refuted by both Dr Wheatley and Hon Smith in public responses to questions from the local media. The tabloid is owned and operated by the embattled and controversial Rosemary L. Rosan aka 'Cindy', who went on a Facebook live post last night when she threatened all local media houses and some local businesses while using profanity. 

The trip to Asia will allow for greater diversification and product refinement and will boost our financial services footprint in Asia as our largest market, expanding into presently underserved and unserved countries where our market presence is not as extensive, the Premier said at a recent press conference. 

Education on the agenda 

In addition to Financial Services matters, Dr Wheatley will also be visiting the partner Universities in the VI’s Asia Abroad Programme, where 7 Virgin Islanders presently undertake full-time university studies.

Despite some who believe that the Premier should not travel and others who continue to criticise his overseas missions, like Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6), all indications are that this series of engagements will be very fruitful for the Virgin Islands.