One such person is local businesswoman Mrs Maris Hodge-Wright, who was very candid about embracing the idea of a coalition Government while a guest on the Talking Points show on May 8, 2023.

This episode of the show, which was aired on ZBVI 780 AM and live-streamed on Facebook, was centred around issues affecting the Territory in the post-election period.

‘I am glad for her expertise’- Hodge-Wright

Hodge- Wright noted that while there have been complaints about Hon Smith’s decision to team up with the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), she is happy with her decision since the Government now has a balance of youth and fresh input from someone who is older and experienced.

This, she said, is a positive collaboration for the country.

“I don’t see her as a traitor. I am glad for her expertise, for somebody who’s fresh and who’s young. I think that he [Premier] brings new ideas, he brings another generation to the table that we hadn’t had in years. So, I’m kind of happy for that,” Hodge-Wright said.

She added that while she is not necessarily happy about all of the Ministries and those who were appointed Ministers, she is particularly happy with the Premier and Deputy Premier.

While some in the Virgin Islands are openly against the decision made by now Deputy Premier Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, to align herself with the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) to form the new government, others are happy with her decision and are embracing the new coalition Government.

Businesswoman Maris Hodge-Wright, 2nd from right, was a guest on Talking Points on May 8, 2023.