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Finally, Lorna G. Smith is Out! Steps down from BVI Finance

After some three years plus and many promises to retire, Mrs Lorna G. Smith OBE, has now stepped down as Executive Director of the BVI Finance. Photo: VINO/File
Mrs Smith, the wife of lame duck Premier Dr. the D. Orlando Smith (AL), will be succeeded by Elise Donovan who became the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BVI Finance, effective February 4, 2019. Photo: UK Parliament
Mrs Smith, the wife of lame duck Premier Dr. the D. Orlando Smith (AL), will be succeeded by Elise Donovan who became the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BVI Finance, effective February 4, 2019. Photo: UK Parliament
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - After some three years plus and many promises to retire, Mrs Lorna G. Smith OBE, has now stepped down as Executive Director of the BVI Finance.

It was announced that she would have stepped down previously in 2017 and 2018.

Mrs Smith managed the BVI Finance in 2016, during a critical period for the jurisdiction according to a Government press release.

 “She led the industry through a number of regulatory and reputational challenges over the last three years, and played an instrumental role in the protection and promotion of the Territory’s international business and financial services sector,” the release notes.

What has she done?

While the statement failed to specifically explain what she accomplished whilst in the role, it claimed “Mrs Smith led industry efforts to rapidly return the financial services sector to a 'business as usual' footing, following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.”

It stated also that “She worked closely with the private sector and secured funding to support the short-term recovery, as well as agreeing to longer-term commitments with key member firms to secure the future of the sector.”

Elise Donovan

Mrs Smith, the wife of lame duck Premier Dr. the Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL), will be succeeded by Elise Donovan who became the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BVI Finance, effective February 4, 2019.

This follows a four-month period in the UK as Director of the BVI London Office. Prior to this, Donovan was Director of BVI House Asia in Hong Kong since January 2014.  

34 Responses to “Finally, Lorna G. Smith is Out! Steps down from BVI Finance”

  • Not a day too soon (15/02/2019, 18:04) Like (44) Dislike (16) Reply
    Apart from the fact that she works hard, I am very happy to see her go. She had clear favorites in the industry whom she consulted . These were also the persons whom she in turn used BVI Finance to promote sometimes to the exclusion of others who submitted articles not carried, took part in interviews not quoted from, and submitted event photos not used etc. In her self-assigned role as the Home Secretary, one also to wonder about the access to her by certain industry expats including the recent rushed and quietly passed changes in immigration laws allowing for extended work permits. Financial Services is a sector where indigenous BVIslanders (of which she is not one) continue to be the underdog as people such has the Home Secretary continue to empower foreigners. Don't get me wrong; foreigners are welcome if they are needed but qualified BVIslanders must also be able to share in the spoils of their own country and not be victimized and oppressed by others. Time for fresh change this election season. I don't think that Andrew's wife will be drinking up any wine with Tom, Dick and Harry.
    • Bout Dmn Time (15/02/2019, 19:34) Like (32) Dislike (21) Reply
      Good Riddance!!! She has done untold damage to this small territory. Only those under her armpit refuse to acknowledge this. Her time has come and is long gone.
    • Sir down (16/02/2019, 06:26) Like (6) Dislike (9) Reply
      You are nor qualified to comment Dick or is it Tom?
    • Finance Director (16/02/2019, 09:27) Like (12) Dislike (12) Reply
      By Reading your comments I realize you do not have ANY understanding of the finance industry. Sad sad sad..you should respect the industry that feeds you
    • Ignorance (16/02/2019, 09:29) Like (19) Dislike (10) Reply
      Reading disrespectful comments like this only furthermore demonstrates that there is no understanding of the industry amongs locals..well done!
      • Whoseesitknows (16/02/2019, 10:52) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
        You need shut up. Whinning and dinning persons abroad to the tune of 2.3 million. For what? No accountability. Good riddance
        • Shupes (16/02/2019, 19:49) Like (0) Dislike (10) Reply
          You need to go back to school to learn how to Spell.
          Go sit your ass down
      • Jack Daniel (17/02/2019, 12:42) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
        Because people like Lorna keep the job for themselves. The didn’t train locals. Pure wickedness and greed there. Good riddance. You are not missed one bit. See you at the bar.
    • BH Degree (16/02/2019, 10:15) Like (18) Dislike (12) Reply
      Ever wonder why we black people dont get anywhere? Its because of our closed minded mentality, jealousy, hatred and believe everyone owes us something. Yes, I am a born Tortolian, but thank God I traveled and learned, and from this I soon came to realise that no one owes me anything, that I have to work hard to achieve my goals and believe it or not it is the socialising, and drinking of wines with the movers and shakers that created great opportunities for my success. Ever thought that Lorna had to do the same to get the best opportunities for the territory's financial services sector? Perhaps you should try thst sone day rather than running home to watch soaps or gossip on the phone.
      • @BH degree (16/02/2019, 12:11) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
        You make very unfortunate assumptions. BVi always comes up the rear rather than take the lead- on beneficial ownership, economic substance and many more, we have to run and amend legislation within a month of passing it. Are these examples of the best opportunities that have been fought for that you refer to? Being reactive rather than proactive...
  • wize up (15/02/2019, 18:14) Like (15) Dislike (5) Reply
    new blood: new perspective
  • Jessica Jones (15/02/2019, 19:49) Like (19) Dislike (15) Reply
    Good ridance.
  • Comment (15/02/2019, 20:31) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    All these bloggers sound like they’re singing a ‘Farewell To Jezebel’ hymn. WOW!
  • hey (15/02/2019, 20:55) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    I was going to ask why nothing was named in her honor for her contribution but puzzers named an alcoholic beverage after her. #checkdadrinksmenu
  • NEXT! (15/02/2019, 21:07) Like (32) Dislike (2) Reply
    The Director of Social Security Board needs to be next! We need fresh blood. Forward thinking individuals. She has been at the helm to long!
    • wize up (16/02/2019, 08:10) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
      @ Next: is a succession plan in place because the woman doing a good job we don’t to switch and things begin to fall apart: remember we made a switch in 2011...plans need to be implemented giving others an opportunity to fill certain post: we how the next director will not be an import
      • next (16/02/2019, 12:46) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
        If no succession plan is in place for an individual to succeed the Director of SSB when she finally steps down then that is a poor reflection of the Boardof Directors. This woman has 2 deputies by the way...and the word on the street is that she and the Boarf of Director have slighted them both in favor for the newly hired COO to succeed her. If there is any truth to that it’s even a poorer reflection of her as a leader because it says that she does not believe that her two deputies are competent to lead as Director which means she failed to develop them. The Director of SSB is not a nice human being. This I know first hand. It’s time for her to go home!!!!!
  • Dont forget (15/02/2019, 22:12) Like (32) Dislike (6) Reply
    She was one of those that hand picked Myron Walwyn to destroy this country. Really happy to see her go.
  • Me (15/02/2019, 23:34) Like (46) Dislike (16) Reply
    Very disrespectful to call the premier lame duck. This is not about whether it is so or not.
    He should never ever under any circumstance be referred to as such. An apology is in order
    • @ Me (16/02/2019, 11:09) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
      I love it 'Lame Duck' let he cart he backside too..He destroyed this great little nation. Just ask Kedrick, Mitch and Ronnie
    • Jack-B-Quik (16/02/2019, 13:51) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      I have to agree with that statement, even though I support neither him nor his party.
  • Ignorant comments (16/02/2019, 06:24) Like (15) Dislike (14) Reply
    She has done an amazing job
  • Concerned (16/02/2019, 07:02) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
    It is so sad how bitter some persons are about people It really does not matter where you are from .It is the the contributions you have made.Every day of my life. I emplloore to my children that this world owes every one a living regardless of where you are from This is Gods earth and we must be like flowers to brighten it up.
    My mother taught me to always look for the good in people and those who look for faults find nothing elsa
  • stop (16/02/2019, 07:26) Like (18) Dislike (12) Reply
    VIP supporters has major issues the level of disrepect only time will tell.

    Lorna has put the BVI on the map for decades from Lavity days she was his PS.

    She was the one that stood up to england ith BO Registry. She is the one that spare headed our presensence to open an office in the Asia market. Which is the most significant market in this crucial market.


    • @ stop (16/02/2019, 11:11) Like (1) Dislike (10) Reply
      For god in Heaven Sake go sit down. The Esteemed (JW) did a much better Job than her in the BBC interview, He understands the international press and he never got hot under the collar
    • Substance (16/02/2019, 11:59) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      And what a muck made of how the economic substance was handled. Maybe consultations should have stretched beyond the couple that were involved initially from the private sector. Typical of her style but this one was way too big and it backfired.
  • Advice (16/02/2019, 09:56) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    Elise, in running the office please establish an independent footprint and not be a nark for this woman. In running the office, do what is best for the country and not what is best for your friends.
  • ShaSha (16/02/2019, 10:33) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    Set of ungrateful prople, you will soon learn
  • guy hill (16/02/2019, 11:03) Like (11) Dislike (8) Reply
    MS. Hodge-Smith is one individual that would defend the Virgin Islands.
  • dictators (16/02/2019, 20:14) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro next!
  • Insanity (17/02/2019, 12:48) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    Wreck it Lorna gone. Thank God!!! Now she have wreck it Myron to finish us off. For God sake people wake up. Drain the swamp!!!
  • Longshanks (17/02/2019, 19:33) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    Thank you Lorna for your service. You always worked hard and in what you believed to be the best interests of industry.

    I always had concerns about your personal position as married to the Premier and doing the job at the same time, but never doubted your sincere efforts.


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