Premier says 2012 was challenging but filled with opportunities
BVI News reporter - Sunday, December 30th, 2012 at 10:19 AM
Premier Smith (File photo)
Premier and Minister for Finance Dr. Orlando Smith said this last year for the BVI has been very interesting, challenging and filled with opportunities.
The Premier shared his views on a wide range of issues experienced unfolded during the outgoing year, while hosting hundreds of people at his Christmas Party in Prospect Reef.
He made reference to the controversial Protocols For Effective Financial Management which will enable the UK to more closely monitor the way the BVI government handles its finances.
Opposition members of the House of Assembly have remained skeptical about the deal, but Premier Smith has maintained that it is in the best interest of the territory.
He told patrons at his party: “Of course everybody knows that we had the protocols, everybody been talking about the Protocols. Some people talked good about them, some people talked bad about them. But essentially, it resulted in the formation of our finance management system which I think is very good for the country’.
The Premier also said there were many other opportunities as the BVI was spared the worst of what has been happening in the recession around the world.
Education Minister Myron Walwyn was praised for organizing the Youth Employment Register out of which the Premier said many young people have found jobs. “That, combined with the efforts of Kevin Smith at the Trades Department, will ensure that we develop more opportunities for BVIslanders. And that is important especially in this climate because one of the most important things that a government has to be concerned with is jobs and employment for its people.”
Another area in which Premier Smith feels the government did well this year is the National Health Insurance Programme. He thinks Health Minister Ronnie Skelton will ensure the initiative becomes a reality by June next year. “This year we appointed Ronnie Skelton – he is somebody who just makes things happen, and he has assured me that in the middle of 2013 – we will have the National Health Insurance Programme on the road and I think that is a wonderful thing for us.”
Premier Smith also praised Communications and Works Minister Mark Vanterpool for the work done in 2012. He particularly singled out the work done at Craft Alive. “We have the action man Mark Vanterpool and I’m sure that when you go Downtown, you can see what has happened at Craft Alive. It looks beautiful – creating more opportunities for people, and we have moved the tent city.”
The Premier also told the gathering that government is moving towards the development of the cruise-ship pier and the extension of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. “All of this because we realize the importance of developing the economy of these British Virgin Islands,” he said.
“We have a lot of challenges, but I have an energetic team of young men with me and we are looking forward to the new year to do more things on behalf of the British Virgin Islands and make sure the economy really rebounds and does well for everybody.”
Copyright 2013 BVI News, Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
3 Comments
Disclaimer: BVI News and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the comments below or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any public forum. All comments posted on BVINews.com reflect the views and opinions of the commentators and not that of the management and staff. Click here for our full comment/user policy/ agreement.
Is Dr. Smith for real or is he playing the *ss.
he made sure that all of his cronies were placed into top jobs….those were the ones who had all the opportunities in 2012
It is most reassuring to know that our economy is stable, secure, and able to continue to assist those in need, carry on the construction of needed work, and give us confidence in general…The party for hundreds illustrates this to the average BVIslander. Thank you.
Post a Comment