TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Oct. 24,CMC – Former Deputy Premier Lorna Smith has expressed lack of confidence in Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley’s ability to lead the territory.
Speaking during a recent press conference, Smith, who was recently dismissed from her ministerial role, suggested that being vocal about her positions on actions taken by Wheatley may have cost her the job she held dearly.
Smith was removed from her position as Minister for Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, with Wheatley citing a lack of support for Commission of Inquiry (COI) obligations as one of the reasons for her dismissal.
However, Smith strongly rejected this claim, calling it “simply untrue” and urging the Premier to be honest with the public.
“I don’t want to be overly critical, but to answer the question frankly, I don’t think so,” Smith declared when questioned by reporters over whether she had confidence in Wheatley’s leadership going forward. The former Labour Minister said she highlighted her growing concerns about the government’s direction many times.
“I have raised my concerns with the Premier and with my colleagues multiple times,” Smith said.
“And there have been a few positive responses. If you want to put it; a few positive noises. But in terms of the real progress that I want to see after, I believe it’s nearly 18 months, I just am not seeing it.”
Reflecting on her tenure, Smith expressed pride in her accomplishments, which include leading successful trade missions, launching critical programmes like the “Tomorrow’s Leaders” internship, and implementing legislative reforms within her ministry.
Despite her achievements, however, she criticised the Premier for the government’s lack of progress in crucial areas.
“I have been dismayed by the lack of action in critical areas, such as infrastructure, communications, tourism development and economic support for all people,” she said. Smith remarked that, under Premier Wheatley’s leadership, the country is “not progressing for the good of the people.”
She also took issue with the slow implementation of the COI recommendations, which she believes has led to instability in the territory’s relationship with the UK. The former Deputy Premier was especially critical of Wheatley’s handling of government spending, specifically pointing to a recent controversial US$220,000 expenditure on a concert, which she believed was ill-timed given the pressing needs in education, infrastructure, and water supply.
“For you to take up that kind of money to give for a concert… that was beyond the pale,” the former Deputy Premier said.
She claimed the Premier was surrounding himself with individuals who were more willing to “go along to get along,” adding that her loyalty remains with the people of the Virgin Islands, not to political alliances.