Premier suggests Hon Smith was fired because she was likely to cross the floor
Premier Wheatley also confirmed that Third District Representative and Opposition Member Hon Julian Fraser, RA will join his administration and will be the new Deputy Premier and Minister for the Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change.
“In advance of this statement, I informed Territorial Representative Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE that she will no longer serve as Deputy Premier and Minister of Financial Services, Labour and Trade, nor hold any other Ministerial portfolio at this time.
“I did so with a heavy heart, because I enjoyed working with Hon. Smith, and she was a very capable Minister,” Premier Wheatley said in a statement this morning, October 23, 2024.
Hon Smith was set to cross the floor again?
Dr Wheatley, noted, however, that Hon Smith did not give him the “confidence” that she would remain with his administration for the duration of this term and “this left room for uncertainty, and political instability, which we cannot afford at this time.”
Hon Smith was elected as an At Large Representative of the National Democratic Party (NDP) at the April 2023 general elections but crossed the floor to help form the government with the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) which had won 6 of the 7 seats in the HoA.
The Premier went on to say that the incumbent government must ensure that the Order in Council is lifted, “we repair our infrastructure, deliver public services at a much higher level, grow our economy and continue to build a sustainable nation.”
Dr Wheatley thanked Hon Smith for her “hard work and dedication” as Deputy Premier.
Meanwhile, Dr Wheatley said he will now take up the portfolio of Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade.
The Premier added that he and his ministerial colleagues hope to maintain a positive working relationship with Hon Smith, in her capacity as Territorial Representative so that together they can improve the lives of the people of the Virgin Islands.
“I again want to reiterate that the political changes in the composition of the Government announced today, were made in the interest of political stability which is needed at this time to move the Territory forward.
“Finally, I thank my Ministers and Junior Ministers for their continued confidence in my leadership as Premier,” Dr Wheatley stated.
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44 Responses to “Premier suggests Hon Smith was fired because she was likely to cross the floor”
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.
It won't be long afore Julian is on the same road cause you know how he gong wana tek over...
d want to take off sowande head just be cause lorna went on the vip side thats smething they cant get over.they up with vote of no convidence......look what they cause to happen
..and that lorna in the corner could not tell she sitting team that she with them 100 percent the premier....lorna is her own problem. You holding your portfolio ministirial post yet still uoy cant say whether with premier 200 percent...that mean yiu cant be trusted....
Every one need to stop blame the premier.....he did what he did.to keep things together....cause a vote of n
o confidence frament the gov. Leaving the uk to step in...
It have saying when digimg dich for one dig two 2..foe the sich you dig may be your own....theoppoaitio was not thinking of the country..and they frig them self..
It take gutts to do what you had to do mr.premeir.. with a real votr of no confidence no one know what uk would of bone. Smart move sowande let god have his way and let him lead you......lorna you should of done.what needed to d
o you case this to happen
Hon Smith said nothing when she was up and down on aeroplane spending the people tax
This is the same woman who was part of the Party and jump ship just for a political post
Is it possible that the Hon Lorna Smith was in negotiations with the opposition but the Premier strike before she could. According to the Premier , he lost confidence in the Hon Smith. The Hon Smith noted that she only got notified this morning in her office that she was being fired. The Premier’s decision making, judgement, etc have been on shaky ground, etc. However, on this firing, he was on point, for if he lost confidence in the Hon Smith, he had no choice but to part ways. . It was a tough decision but leaders are expected to make tough decisions. Leadership/politics is not for the weak of heart, etc. It is simple . The Premier strike before he was struck, bringing the government down. Karma is bitch they say.
Lawna should be premiere she has integrity