An offer has already been made to the person who has been identified to head the territory’s Hong Kong office, according to Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith. Photo: VINO/File

Virgin Islands News Online previously reported that the current Executive Director of the Virgin Islands International Finance Centre, Elise Donovan, has been tipped for the job. Photo: VINO/File

The Hong Kong Office, which was formally opened on September 5, 2013 is currently run by interim head and wife of Premier Smith, Mrs Lorna Smith, OBE (left). A furore had erupted when this had been revealed with some observers claiming that there had been a conflict of interest in the hiring of Mrs Smith. Photo: GIS/File

The Premier announced at the end of August, 2013 that an appointee was expected to be decided shortly. He estimated that the office would cost taxpayers some $800,000 annually. Photo: GIS/File

While not revealing any details, Premier Smith disclosed during a press briefing on October 18, 2013 that, “Someone has been pinpointed as the head and once we’ve had discussions, the announcement will be coming in the next few weeks I would think but we have already made an offer to somebody…”

Premier Smith further explained that once the offer is found to be satisfactory to both government and the individual identified, an announcement is expected to be made.

Virgin Islands News Online previously reported that the current Executive Director of the Virgin Islands International Finance Centre, Elise Donovan, has been tipped for the job.

The Hong Kong Office, which was formally opened on September 5, 2013 is currently run by interim head and wife of Premier Smith, Mrs Lorna Smith, OBE. A furore had erupted when this had been revealed with some observers claiming that there had been a conflict of interest in the hiring of Mrs Smith.

Premier Smith had chided local media for making Mrs Smith’s appointment the headline of their stories instead of the opening of the office itself.

Dr Smith explained that the establishment of an office in the Far East is a major component of his government’s strategy to expand and deepen the commercial footprint of the Territory in one of the most important global markets.

He added, “The establishment of the Hong Kong Office will allow BVI here at home to have a physical presence in the Far East, to obtain information in real time, and to better liaise and collaborate with financial services industry partners with offices in that jurisdiction.”

The Premier announced at the end of August, 2013 that an appointee was expected to be decided shortly. He estimated that the office would cost taxpayers some $800,000 annually.