Former First Lady added to NDP list as At-Large candidate
Former First Lady Lorna Smith said she has decided to contest the upcoming elections with the National Democratic Party (NDP).
Smith, who declared her interest recently as an independent Territorial At-Large candidate, said in a recent release that she felt the party’s policies are more closely aligned with her beliefs.
After declaring her candidacy, the former First Lady said she was overwhelmed and encouraged by the strong level of support she received.
And while conceding that previous NDP governments may not have been perfect, she explained that there was a fundamental issue behind her decision to join forces with the NDP.
“As all of you know, I am my own person, and while I have my own opinions and beliefs, I believe that we must come together to protect the future of the Virgin Islands,” Smith said. “Our next government and all its elected officials must share fundamental and core beliefs for our country.”
The former First Lady — whose husband, Dr D Orlando Smith, was once leader of the NDP –stated that her interest lay in the continued advancement of the territory and contended that no one will work harder to achieve this goal. According to Smith, under previous NDP administrations, the territory was able to advance significantly.
“I know the Chairman and members of the NDP encourage, respect, and value independent thought among NDP members. I have always maintained my own voice. With your support, that will not change.”
When she declared her candidacy, Smith offered five areas of focus where she pledged to dedicate her efforts, including youth development, the economy, crime, climate change and financial services.
She expressed that this pledge will receive no less importance now that she has come under the NDP banner.
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So to date the BVI voter has no independent candidates to vote for, everyone is aligned with a party?
Every party has old blood running it?
So if you are unhappy with the old ways and how they have stolen millions of dollars as politicians when you go to vote you cant vote them out?
BVI this is unacceptable, how do we change the political power house when they are all still there?
Until we get independent candidates my ballot will say.
NO TO CORRUPTION i will not vote.
NDP Chairman? NDP does not have a Chairman. Myron was Chairman and resigned after he lost the elections. No Chairman or Deputy Chairman was elected since that time.
Your opinion is quite refreshing. I was thinking the same thing. However, I suggest instead of ‘we’ not voting, let’s vote for the individuals that are aligned with what we want for this country. When they recognised there’s no part to form a Government, each individual will be forced to work with each other and hold themselves accountable for the decisions they make on our behalf, especially our tax dollars!
I wasn’t on the grant list so if someone want me to vote especially from the vip, then they have to get me even with the grantees.
This is sad. When you have to sell that placing new wine into old skins is a good thing.
I’m with @Voter, let’s vote for people, not party lines. She’s at least intelligent and has skills that are important to the job of a law maker. I think a serious coalition government, and not this airy fairy thing called United Government, could do more for the country than the straight party governments that have to elect a Premier from the seniority because they been there long enough. Give this lady an opportunity to show us what she can do in a new setting. We already know what she is capable of.
This clearly shows to the public that the NDP has serious concerns with Marlon as leader and so should everyone else no matter what they say to us now to try to convince us otherwise over the next month.
If NDP have concerns then what does the VIP has, boss you quick to forget, what has VIP done with all our SS Money??? College Fund without contract agreement, Farmer and Fisherman with nothing to show for funds.
Ahyo wait till now to know she was NDP! She was the Dr Smith’s boss behind the scenethat help get us to this point. We are not in dire need of her. And she was there in Lavity, Orma and Ralph era when the cookie jar was open!! Mr Her Majesty come rescue we!!
People if you have the right to vote for whoever you want. By Law, your five votes don’t have to go to the entire party. She and DR. Smith started the party it’s only ethical that she had joined as a candidate. She is getting my vote no party politics for me.
I voting for Lorna. She more intelligent than Ronnie and Frazer and we don’t want the VIP. They robbed us blind last 4 years.
I agree with you on that. If only people will open their eyes to what is important and what the country needs to go forward. We look like a joke to the world right now with the current jokey leaders. What is best for the country as a whole is what people need to understand.
I agree, with you that was her husband then, this is her now . She deserves a chance .