The Attorney General (AG) of the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly, Hon Dawn J. Smith, left, in September 2021, had blasted the UK-sponsored Virgin Islands Commission of Inquiry for what she called a ‘misleading and damaging impression’ portrait by the CoI team against the Government and a sitting Minister. Right is CoI Commissioner Gar R. Hickinbottom. Photo: VINO/File

Contrary to a rumored rocky relationship with the HoA Members as painted by some sections of the VI media, Hon Smith also lauded the members of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) as an ‘absolute pleasure' to work with since she took office on October 1, 2020. Photo: VINO/File

This was revealed in the report of the deliberations of the 2022 Standing Finance Committee (SFC) during meetings with the committee and the Attorney General’s Chambers.

At least 37 pieces of legislation enacted 

The AG revealed that in 2021, at least 37 pieces of legislation were enacted, 136 statutory instruments and 19 resolutions, “From the legislation mentioned in the Throne Speech, the Chambers have completed 45 pieces of legislation, 12 are outstanding and the Chambers is awaiting drafting instructions with respect to 23,” she added.

The AG noted; however, that notwithstanding the Commission of Inquiry which is in of itself a very substantial issue, the Chambers was able to get through a good bit of the regular plan work, however, had had to defer some things.

Hon Smith added that as principal legal advisor, the ambition of the Chambers is to help the Government make demonstrably better decisions and for Government lawyers to be sought out by decision-makers as valued partners who add real value by helping to identify lawful options, spot opportunities and solutions to problems.

The role also includes the need to identify legal risks and provide advice in policy and business areas, according to counsel’s expertise.

Hon Smith lauds HoA Member as pleasure to work with 

Contrary to a rumored rocky relationship with the HoA Members as painted by some sections of the VI media, Hon Smith also lauded the members of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) as an ‘absolute pleasure' to work with since she took office on October 1, 2020.

“The Attorney General then expressed her thanks to the members of the House of Assembly saying that it has been an absolute pleasure working with each and everyone during the time that she has been in the AG Office, which is just over one year,” the report stated.

Hon Smith also thanked members for the financial support given to her office over the past year [2021], which according to her, enable them to achieve certain objectives despite staffing issues.