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Tributes pour in for Premier’s loss

Members of the House of Assembly stand in unity with Premier in offering condolences
Tributes poured in today, September 13, 2012 in the House of Assembly for Premier Smith's mother, Mrs Eldra Davies-Smith (above) who passed away on September 6, 2012. Photo: VINO/Team of reporters
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Tributes poured in from both sides of the aisle in the House of Assembly earlier today, September 13, 2012 as members sought to offer condolences to the Premier for the recent passing of his mother.

During the second sitting of the second session of the second House of Assembly’s first segment today members stood up in unity as they delivered brief notes of condolences and reminisced about shared experiences with the Premier’s mother for those that were familiar with her. 

Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith experienced the passing of his mother, Mrs Eldra Davies-Smith, last Thursday, September 6, 2012; she was 94 years at the time of her death. 

Deputy Speaker, Delores Christopher, acting in the absence of Speaker Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe today, chaired proceedings in the House. 

Tributes emerged from Hons. Ralph T. O’ Neal (Leader of the Opposition), Ronnie W. Skelton, J. Alvin Christopher, Archibald Christian, Andrew A. Fahie, Mark Vanterpool, Myron V. Walwyn, Julian Fraser, Kedrick Pickering, Alvera Maduro-Caines and Attorney General Dr Christopher Malcolm. 

Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Walwyn in giving his tribute said “the loss of a mother is not a simple thing at all, regardless of the age of the person.” The Hon. Minister related the experience of losing his mother at the tender age of 16 noting that he could still remember the feelings that he had to this day. He commended the Premier for still coming to work to handle the people’s business in spite of the loss experienced.

Hon Julian Fraser, RA in his offer of condolences also mentioned that he had already lost both his parents, the first of which was at the age of 5.  “When you speak of your mother, Dr Smith, two words come to mind… quality and consistency,” Hon Fraser remarked. He said everything that she had done including raising her family, that quality and consistency can be seen in you.

Premier Smith, in response to the outpourings of condolences, thanked the members for their expressions of support and attempted to get the purpose of today’s sitting back into focus when he stated that four bills that were to be presented in the House during the sitting could not wait as they were of significant importance.

The House was then ajourned shortly thereafter.

 

 

11 Responses to “Tributes pour in for Premier’s loss ”

  • weed (13/09/2012, 17:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    and you all say dem can't work togther??
  • Vrigin Son (13/09/2012, 20:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I was wondering when someone would have posted a photo of sister smith...VINO I knew you would have been first. RIP sister smith.
    • teacher John (13/09/2012, 23:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      in memory of my friend Eldra Smith:

      A face that is always on my mind,
      her smile I have seen a many times,
      Two eyes that would light up the sky at night,
      The day was long, then night ........ RIP


  • zoe (13/09/2012, 20:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    i was happy to hear how the members of the house supported the Premier
    • VIP all the way (14/09/2012, 07:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The opposition must be given credit for always rising to the occasion when it matters...if the shoe was on the other feet the NDP could have never do that. They lack the political skills and for them everything is about politics and reelection...how sad as we build a great little nation. Mr. O’Neal you and your team are statesmen!
      • heat (14/09/2012, 20:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Dr. Smith we give you a break this time because of your dear mom..yo get away this time, but come next HOA will will put the heat back on!!!
        • open and shut case (14/09/2012, 23:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          i agree but it was nice of Mr O'Neal to pay tributes to Dr. Smith in this a time of bereavement
  • New York City resident from Tortola (13/09/2012, 22:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I remember sister smith growing how in the SDA church in road town, and she was such a great singer...she sang because the music of the church spoke her language, she also had a beautiful voice and sing because those nice adventist hems were tightly woven in the texture of who she was.

    She will be miss by all

  • flag (14/09/2012, 20:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    RIP sister Smith you have live a good and long life..you are now in heaven
  • Eagle and Buffalo (15/09/2012, 13:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    In times of crisis or in times of grief or bereavement, a country, a territory should be united and speak with one voice. They are times for exemplary civility. This civility and compassion speaks well of the BVI.and of BVIslanders. There may still be hope for the BVI as it faces the difficult and challenging times ahead.



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