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Hon Smith Out! Hon Fraser In! Dr Wheatley fires Lorna G. Smith

Deputy Speaker and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (left) has been fired. Right: Opposition Member Hon Julian Fraser, RA (R3) has crossed the floor to keep the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government in power. Photo: VINO/Facebook
 In the biggest gutsy move of his young Premiership, Leader of Government Business, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has asked the Governor Daniel Pruce to revoke the appointment of now former Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Service, Labour and Trade, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE. Photo: GIS/File
In the biggest gutsy move of his young Premiership, Leader of Government Business, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has asked the Governor Daniel Pruce to revoke the appointment of now former Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Service, Labour and Trade, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In the biggest gutsy move of his young Premiership, Leader of Government Business, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has asked Governor Daniel Pruce to revoke the appointment of now former Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE.

Hon Fraser is expected to be sworn in today, Wednesday, October 23, 2024, as Deputy Premier; however, his portfolio is unclear.

Political bombshell

The full reasons for the removal of Hon Smith, the wife of a former Premier, is unclear. Senior sources within the ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP) familiar with the political bombshell; however, claimed it is believed there were growing tensions between her and the Premier and her position on the Vote of No Confidence was unclear.

The former Deputy Premier is expected to hold a press conference today to address her firing and other matters.

Hon Smith was the head of a new Ministry as she wanted to focus more on financial services, trade and the business community.

The now-former Deputy Premier first ran for office in 2023 and was successful as a Territorial At-Large candidate with the Opposition National Democratic Party (NDP), which won three seats out of thirteen.

Hon Smith then crossed the floor and joined the VIP's six members to give them a seven-seat majority.

Neither the Premier, Hons Smith nor Fraser responded to our inquiry for more information.

We will have more details as this story develops.

70 Responses to “Hon Smith Out! Hon Fraser In! Dr Wheatley fires Lorna G. Smith”

  • Rubber Duck (23/10/2024, 08:31) Like (34) Dislike (4) Reply
    Interesting times ahead - I thought that Julian was in semi retirement, and planning to give up.
    • @rubber duck (23/10/2024, 10:20) Like (15) Dislike (29) Reply
      who is going to pay for Lorna's first class flights and five star hotels going forward!
    • Political surrogate (23/10/2024, 11:06) Like (17) Dislike (9) Reply
      If the Deputy was indeed courted by the opposition with the promise of the Premiership, it seems her ambitions may have outpaced her judgment. In a political landscape where 4 oppoisition members harbor ambitions to be Premier, but 0 of the 4 have the altruism to put the country above their own desires, she may have found herself in the same pit of vipers that led her to cross the floor. This moment should also serve as a lesson in leadership for Premier Wheatley—loyalty is not to be taken for granted. Those who stand by you must be acknowledged and their loyalty reciprocated, for in politics, loyalty from an inconstant is a rare thing. If she was not loyal to the NDP, then it stands to reason she would not display that loyalty to you either.

      What is admirable, however, is that she made no pretense. Her ambitions were clear, and she acted with transparency, which is to be commended. She clearly has her sights set on becoming Premier and will navigate the political terrain as necessary to achieve that goal. But let this be a reminder—true leadership is not just about ambition, but about knowing when to lead, when to wait, and how to recognize those who truly stand with you.
    • Rubber Duck (23/10/2024, 13:52) Like (15) Dislike (6) Reply
      It’s entirely appropriate that this Government has a senior member who looks and acts like Coco the Clown.
    • @rubber duck (23/10/2024, 17:16) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      It's an easy inference to make, guy's been a ghost for most of the last 10 years.
  • ? (23/10/2024, 08:31) Like (45) Dislike (1) Reply
    Take to make some popcorn. This is going to be interesting.
  • snakes in the grass (23/10/2024, 08:41) Like (65) Dislike (2) Reply
    Trade one snake for another! Saw this coming from a mile away! Birds of a feather flock together!
  • Forbidden Truth (23/10/2024, 08:42) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Is this fake news I was?
  • Happy Days! (23/10/2024, 08:43) Like (45) Dislike (23) Reply
    Yess, you finally get it right. we need politicians who stands with the locals.
  • All I'll say is (23/10/2024, 09:08) Like (44) Dislike (0) Reply
    Worthlessness really don't pay. Anyway another beautiful day in paradise. Politics at its best, that's why I don't get tangled up. I will forever remain mutual.
  • ok (23/10/2024, 09:15) Like (48) Dislike (35) Reply
    That's messed up kick her before she can vote on the no confidence. For the sake of "my administration"
    Truth be told you are working for the people not yourself. We decide who is doing an outstanding job. Not your look in the mirror and say everything good.

    Well well well you stabbed her in the back before she could do it to you. But you weren't sure of her position. OK you will still be the same backstabber when you come down off that high horse. Cant trust you man.
  • smdh (23/10/2024, 09:22) Like (128) Dislike (23) Reply
    Power hungry Smith gets bit hard by the rabid dog that she fed against the peoples’ wishes!

    Power hungry Frazer crosses floor instead of standing on business off No Confidence in this Premier and making the change needed to set our territory on the right path. Just for a title! All the shyt he talked about this Premier but now he can cozy up to the same inept person, just to get a title? Why not just let the Opposition take over the government? Oh yeah because he wouldn’t get to be Deputy himself over Marlon or Myron. Frazer put himself and his ambitions ahead of the BVI.

    But I am certain this comment will not get posted for the obvious reason!
    • Well it was posted (23/10/2024, 11:37) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
      And liked by many so looks like a majority hold the same sentiments
  • It was expected (23/10/2024, 09:30) Like (36) Dislike (0) Reply
    BVI is a TIME BOMB, the island is sitting on a BUBBLE, the island is sitting on this instability, the premier is playing cat and mouse, I thought that in the years 1989 to date it would be on the waves of development in tourism and infrastructure enviable for a small place with people, today I am confused, I understand that it is not the citizen but the administrations that have led the territory to crime and confusion. As these events are happening day after day, what would it be like if one morning when waking up the news was that we would no longer have the economy in US$? Ask that question and let's lower the attitude please
  • let my people go (23/10/2024, 09:33) Like (4) Dislike (20) Reply
    https://www.reuters.com/world/us-court-finds-ex-bvi-premier-fahie-guilty-after-questioning-juror-2024-03-08/
  • Not surprised. (23/10/2024, 09:33) Like (77) Dislike (22) Reply
    This was Frazer plan all along, he is a good actor, he is a fake..I never trust him. His plan was for Kye to cross for him to cross and get Kye position... Lorna wasn't an effective minister, she is another pretender back stabbing the Premier with Guavaberry. Then the news is she was in negotiating for Premier ship...Sowande is my boy..
  • dictatorship (23/10/2024, 09:36) Like (65) Dislike (12) Reply
    This is a dictator move, plain and simple.
    • confused (23/10/2024, 10:01) Like (25) Dislike (48) Reply
      You might be viewing him as a dictator because he prioritizes national stability over individual emotions. While I question some of his decisions, I support this approach. The country needs to remain stable against all challenges. My advice would be to assess who else is willing to cross the floor.. So we’re not constantly on edge. We, as a nation, deserve to feel secure as we approach the next election cycle. We've endured a lot in recent years, and that’s just my humble opinion.
  • round rock (23/10/2024, 09:41) Like (8) Dislike (36) Reply
    May God continues to bless these Virgin Islands. It was just a matter of time for the revelation of the loyalty of the Hon. Smith in the government. Her aspiration for being Premier of the Territory has been thwarted. One has to remember that all that not all your allies are your friends. The battle is not over since there will be further efforts to undermine this government. But, with God in the vessel we can smile at the storm. This reminds me of the conspiracy to oust Hon. Ralph T O'Neal as Chief Minister. History has repeated itself.
  • misstep or preemptive strike? (23/10/2024, 09:41) Like (46) Dislike (3) Reply
    While we may not have all the facts yet, as a supporter of the Wheatley administration, it’s clear that this is a major misstep. If it’s rooted in something as trivial as the Vybz Kartel situation, then the miscalculation only grows larger. Hon. Smith brought a unique appeal—she was a bridge for those who were skeptical of the VIP, perhaps even pulling in NDP voters who saw in her a figure of bipartisan trust. She represented a voice that could unify. In contrast, Hon. Frazer, though seasoned and deeply knowledgeable in the workings of government, does not inspire that same bipartisan sentiment. His leadership style has been challenging for those trying to work with him in the past, and his inability to ascend to the top of the VIP ticket speaks volumes about the internal difficulties he presents. A good leader knows when to follow and when to lead
    If Premier Wheatley was aware that his deputy was leaning toward supporting the opposition in a no-confidence vote, then his move could be seen as a calculated and strategic preemption—a maneuver that should be applauded for its political astuteness. But if this is not the case, we are left with an error that threatens to weaken the administration and alienate those who once felt reassured by Smith’s moderating influence.
    • @my two step (23/10/2024, 10:49) Like (3) Dislike (28) Reply
      Apparently she and husband doesn't like dancehall artists. I don't know they reason for ousting her if is because of cartel thing. But remember they ban tony Matterhorn from performing here.
  • resident (23/10/2024, 09:42) Like (51) Dislike (9) Reply
    we voted for her to vote against vip and she betrayed us, this is karma
  • Citizen (23/10/2024, 09:42) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    karma
  • Agreeable One (23/10/2024, 09:44) Like (36) Dislike (28) Reply
    WOW! That’s a big man move there for real. As the leader you have to do what you have to do. I believe Fraser is a better fit with his experience, and an original VIP. It makes sense as he will get more stuff done in his district. Him and the young leader makes a good combination. Lorna had too many strings of a different mindset still connected to her and that was making a real frigggggg!!
  • Finally (23/10/2024, 09:45) Like (22) Dislike (22) Reply
    Way to go Hon. Frazer!!!!!
  • SELLING YOUR GRANDMOTHERS (23/10/2024, 09:48) Like (53) Dislike (5) Reply
    The Premier & Fraser willing to do anything to stay in power
  • Karma Is A Bitch (23/10/2024, 09:54) Like (24) Dislike (11) Reply
    Sowande got cussed out in London for asking about the order in council when the gov didnt do all of the coi requirements. Lorna mussa laughed at him, call him a fool and was about to make a move. She got wha she was give. Karma is a bitch and I hope it takes this whole gov...waiting for it to happen.
  • Mbviga (23/10/2024, 09:55) Like (40) Dislike (6) Reply
    early elections are coming
  • HMMM (23/10/2024, 09:56) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    On one of these previous articles blogs I did tell premier that Frazier is for vip ????
  • Political agenda? (23/10/2024, 10:05) Like (34) Dislike (4) Reply
    At this point I'm here asking if the Premier is just seeing how far he can push before the UK invoke the order in council.... I hope he's close.
  • Grant (23/10/2024, 10:06) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    All I want to know is who handling those GRANT applications. Come through cause increase in minimum wage soon here eh.
  • what about the people? (23/10/2024, 10:08) Like (28) Dislike (21) Reply
    Don't the people get a say in this? This is dictatorship at its worst. If you don't agree with the Premiere you get fired? No no no...We will not stand for this any longer. You go next Dr of nothing... We are angry! You are ruining our great country with your Trump ways....
  • Really (23/10/2024, 10:15) Like (7) Dislike (11) Reply
    Stop studying these distraction which is funny after your the bank hack. These government is doing some real wicked things that you all wouldn't understand. Forget Lorna they all Freemasons so you know their agendas are evil. Poor dumb people the AI system is the Beast system which you can't buy ,sell or trade without all the New mRNA vaccines which COVID was the first to chip everyone who took it. I heard plenty vaccinated people say their legs hurts,or the bleed alot or they can't get pregnant etc because too many sad stories including all the deaths. The funeral homes are making even more now than ever. Up to wherever the funeral home first open up to before the vaccine no business like that. Since the vaccine The millions rolling in like crazy. Even the blind and death can see you understand what's going on. Healthy people who just happens to get cancer and die fast. The vaccine was know to be made to give cancer to cause your death. People are in deep sleep no escaping
  • The nail in the coffin for these vIVI. (23/10/2024, 10:17) Like (11) Dislike (14) Reply
    He keeps getting worse..
    He should jnstead,have stepped down voluntariy,rather than take steps to possibly thwart the " no confidence votr" on the affirmative.
    What have we done to deserve the loss of our Blessed heritage?...well a few things but....
  • VerDaGeorge (23/10/2024, 10:17) Like (10) Dislike (14) Reply
    Well, Well. I always taught that Hon. Frazer should have accepted the position when asked. ( Wishes came to reality). Good luck Hon. Wheately and Hon. Frazer.. Blessings to All.
  • I EH See (23/10/2024, 10:19) Like (16) Dislike (6) Reply
    Gooseberry Aint Report This Atall!!!!
  • Sana (23/10/2024, 10:25) Like (16) Dislike (22) Reply
    Now he acting like Trump. Government won’t agree on everything ever.. you don’t fire people who stand up to you and call out your issues.
    • maga (23/10/2024, 10:59) Like (5) Dislike (11) Reply
      keep trump name out ya fing mouth, he aint worse than bidone is now
    • Nuts (23/10/2024, 11:09) Like (28) Dislike (19) Reply
      If you have been following the political situation in the USA and have a brain cell, you should know the Democratic administration committed a coup and installed an unelected Harris as their nominee. Trump is a SAINT compared to those looney leftie Dems.
      • Looking from away (24/10/2024, 12:09) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        Trump a Saint bull s . I live in the U S and he wants to take us back to ropes and chains. Back to Jim crow days. Know history or shut up. Trump is also a sick man.
        Demo all the way.
        • Nuts (24/10/2024, 15:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          stop believing propoganda, learn to think for yourself, he was president before and he actually freed alot of black people from jail with the first step act, unlike biden who wrote the 94 crime bill that clinton signed that locked up alot of black people
  • TruDat! (23/10/2024, 10:26) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    How many ministries does he have in his portfolio now? With the best will in the world, no one could handle all of that correctly and the cracks were already very clearly showing. Soon the dam will burst.
  • SOWANDA = BLACK TRUMP (23/10/2024, 10:51) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
    he is going to throw out all the immigrants , white & black ones.
    • @sewanda (23/10/2024, 12:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      So where will VIP get their votes from if he going to do that??? If so three quarter of bvi will be thrown out
    • born here (23/10/2024, 22:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You so right either way that he don’t like island people sorry you all in plenty trouble remember he said if he had the will he would have send back all the island people in a banana boat of of Tortola. See which ministry he holding.
    • maga (24/10/2024, 15:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      if only showande was half as good we would actually get stuff done
  • Well (23/10/2024, 10:51) Like (13) Dislike (6) Reply
    They could a very well give Mr. Frazer the deputy from the beginning.
  • Optimist (23/10/2024, 12:01) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    This Premier playing '' tic,tak,toe " in this country? All he's doing is tossing up Deputy Premier like he think this thing is a joke. This shows he is too immature to put country before his own personal gains. I wish pride,common decency could come back in style. Gone are days when even though you may not like your opponent, you put feelings aside and work together.
    Lorna this is lesson for you to learn from, that you will always"reap whatever you sew" .
  • Not The first time (23/10/2024, 12:41) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    This is not the first time a minister was removed by the Chief Minister/Premier. Ralph T' Oneal was removed by Lavity Stoutt and Louis Walters took his deputy Chief Minister position. Ralph misappropriated Crown Land and had an illegal contract with Shell. Then Omar was also fired from being a Minister by Lavity Stoutt. So I dont see the problem with Natalio firing Lorna as he felt she was going to vote against him in the vote of no confidence. Simple Facts!
  • omg (23/10/2024, 12:56) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    Fraser you large.
  • vip (23/10/2024, 12:56) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    THE PRODIGAL SON HAS RETURNED
  • All in All (23/10/2024, 13:10) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    Trump is trying to get elected to avoid jail.
  • The bvi in shambles (23/10/2024, 14:53) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why you going hire frazer as deputy and sea cows bay never / barely does have water :/
  • Bigg Dogg (23/10/2024, 15:12) Like (2) Dislike (9) Reply
    Tell her moo moo ms go cry in her corner now
  • Eldread (23/10/2024, 18:34) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hey Fraser is constrictor snake, you see how he part his hair in his skull like a blond white man, that's a house nigger, and guess what, he will be loving england more, he celebrate colonialism, he want to be white, he is a coconut, brown outside and white inside. The idea of slowandie to fire Lorna because she has etiquette and could not standby and associate with the finance ministry and watch slowandie take quarter million dollars USD of tax payers monies and give to Kartel and his other numerous non stop parties,I wonder if Fraser wife trust him? A total snake in the grass, power he want and nothing else, not about the people, a stooge like him getting up under king Charles arms up in England will murder the BVI people, once they tickle his ego up UK, and I guess he and the governor will have coffee together in the mornings, sowandie is like Andrew, he will destroy whoever comes in the way to stop him on his path to destruction, so a lady of such institutional knowledge on financing shouldn't tell premiere Wheatley he wrong to be so reckless with the people tax dollar. And slowandie don't have a degree in financing , he don't know his a$$ from his elbow.
    • Family Wheatley I am (23/10/2024, 22:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      He have a degree in collyherb drinking a just say party.
  • Dang (23/10/2024, 18:56) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    That hard r has everyone steered off smh you are being super racist without that soft a
  • WOW (24/10/2024, 07:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Peter Penfold, Ralph O’Neal, now Natalio Wheatley
  • bvi (24/10/2024, 07:29) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    That Tomar and Malone blood finally show up. Long Look people don’t play.
    Long Look people ain’t wait for massa to give freedom they tek it.
  • de silent one (24/10/2024, 08:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It didnt take too long for things to fall apart. It was the same two of them why we dont have a NDP led adminitration when they couldnt decide on positioning. They used her to facilitate their agenda, then kick her to her corner. Fraser has always been a VIP, so he only gone back to his origin


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