Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE is Acting Premier!
For some, it may be a prophecy come to pass that Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE is now Premier of the Virgin Islands, albeit in a very brief acting capacity.
Honourable Smith was appointed Acting Premier by Acting Governor Mr David D. Archer Jr on May 3, 2023, until May 4, 2023.
This comes as Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) departed the territory on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, to attend the Coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in the United Kingdom scheduled for May 6, 2023.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the
Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) departed the territory on Wednesday,
May 3, 2023, to attend the Coronation of King Charles III at
Westminster Abbey in the United Kingdom scheduled for May 6, 2023.
Hon Smith to join Dr Wheatley @ JMC in UK
Acting Premier Hon Smith is expected to travel to the UK on Friday, May 5, 2023, to join Dr Wheatley at the Joint Ministerial Conference (JMC) in the UK scheduled for Monday, May 8, 2023.
Dr Wheatley during a press conference on May 2, 2023, had said Lorna Smith, who has a wealth of experience as a former Director of the BVI London Office and Executive Director of BVI Finance, will add great value to his delegation.
“Honourable Smith and I will also resume engagement with our United Kingdom partners to continue the process of building a new modern partnership that is stable and supports the aspirations of the people of the Virgin Islands.
“Among other things, we will meet UK OT Minister Lord Goldsmith, other UK Ministers and the BVI All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) in the United Kingdom Parliament to discuss how the UK Government can support my Administration's agenda on reform, economic resilience, infrastructure, sustainable development, climate change, environment, education, health and security,” Dr Wheatley had stated.
Once Acting Premier Hon Lorna G. Smith,
OBE departs the Territory for London, Minister for Health and Social
Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), right, will be the Acting
Premier.
Hon Vincent O. Wheatley to act as Premier when Hon Smith departs VI
Meanwhile, once Hon Smith departs the Territory, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) will be the Acting Premier.
Dr Wheatley, during the press conference, was asked why the Deputy Premier in the then Unity Government, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), was not asked to hold the post, given his experience.
“Honourable Rymer has personal business that he has to attend to, so he is going to be travelling briefly for a few days. I believe his daughter is having a graduation.
“Quite naturally Hon Rymer would have been Acting Premier but because he is travelling it wasn’t possible,” Dr Wheatley had responded, adding that he has confidence that any one of his Ministers can step up to serve as Acting Premier.
