Beautiful Virgin Islands

Thursday, Apr 23, 2026

Premier Wheatley and Lorna Smith will make a great team

Premier Wheatley and Lorna Smith will make a great team

Although she has left many disappointed, Deputy Premier Lorna Smith has been hailed by some talk show hosts and commentators for her controversial alliance with the VIP in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections.
Hosts of the Talking Points radio show have expressed that Smith’s decision to partner with the VIP was the right one, as her years of expertise would have gone to waste if she were to settle for a lesser position in the government.

Business owner Maris Hodge-Wright — who joined the May 9 airing of Talking Points radio show as a co-host — said Smith and Premier Natalio Wheatley are the combination of experience and a new generation and should serve the territory well as a duo.

“I heard a lot of people complaining about Lorna crossing over and that she is a traitor. But I am personally happy because I think we have youth and youthful energy and new blood in the government. But I’m also happy that we have someone who is older and experienced and if they both work together, it’s a positive for us as a country,” Hodge-Wright posited.

“I don’t see her as a traitor. I am glad for her expertise. I think he (Premier Wheatley) brings another generation to the table that we haven’t had in years. I’m not happy with all the ministers and ministries but I am happy with the Premier and Deputy Premier,” Hodge-Wright explained.

Her fellow co-hosts Voilet Gaul, Damion Grange, and Elvin Smith echoed her sentiments, agreeing that Smith is better off as a leader on the government side.

In the meantime, Damion Grange stated that he was saddened by the members of the Opposition who hosted a press conference and criticized Lorna Smith for her partnership with the VIP. He described their behaviour as pathetic.

“It was sad for me to see a group of men in a press conference lambasting the one woman on their ticket. I thought that was petty and sad and somewhat pathetic on their part,” Grange posited.

Smith’s decision to align with the VIP has been met with disappointment and criticism from several sections of the electorate. Yet, Smith stands resolute in her decision and continues to assure that her decision was made in the best interest of the people.
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