Gov't appoints first political advisor in Premier’s Office
The new political advisor programme has sparked some controversy from the Opposition Leader Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8), who claimed that “now is not the right time for this programme”.
Premier Fahie has; however, defended the programme and noted that the advisors will be addressing policy matters not given attention by the current civil servants. He also noted that the matter was approved in Cabinet and brought to the public in keeping with his government's practice of transparency.
Kevin C. Smith aka 'OJ'
The first such appointment is Mr Kevin C. Smith aka ‘OJ’, a former National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for the Third District seat.
According to sources, Mr Smith started his assignment as a Political Advisor in the Premier’s Office yesterday, August 5, 2021.
The other terms and conditions of his appointment are unknown.
Mr Smith, an indigenous Virgin Islander, also had a short stint as the Chief Executive Officer of telecommunications giant Digicel BVI. He also held consultancies under the NDP with the Ministry of Finance.
He is best remembered for transforming the Post Office and bringing on the Ezone system for express mail.
Mr Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration and Finance.
It is unclear what is Mr Smith’s political intention for the 2023 general elections. It was believed he was flirting with coming back again with the NDP, but there were some concerns and issues of party leadership.
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47 Responses to “Gov't appoints first political advisor in Premier’s Office”
If monies can be budgeted for consultants, then monies can be budgeted for annual increments.
No excuses!
Oj is my comrade so nothing personal
To the flip side, if it is true that supervisors are a must have, why are only certain prefered persons are approved for supervosors positions, disregarding others that may very well perform much better?
Any one or more have the knowledge, wisdom, and courage to answers this question honestly and sensible? If you do, please exercize your freedom.
You are welcome.
-an in-depth understanding of local and central government and how they work,
-understanding of the main political parties and how they operate,
-experience in researching complex issues, writing reports and preparing comprehensive briefings in a political
environment, and
-experience organising meetings, events, or other activities
Is OJ qualified to perform the functions of a political advisor? Perhaps he is. However, I wish the government advertised the positions and included details around the specific areas that each advisor would focus on.
The lack of transparency bothers me and the appearance of nepotism and cronyism that the appointments may suggest. If the VIP continues on this path, a UK takeover will be inevitable and effortless.