Fraser sworn in after Lorna Smith fired by Premier Wheatley
Former Deputy Premier Lorna Smith has been removed from office by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and has since been replaced by Third District Representative Julian Fraser.
Premier Wheatley announced the bombshell reshuffle of his government moments ago in a Facebook LIVE broadcast, noting that Smith, who also held the portfolios of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, was replaced by Fraser, a senior member of the House of Assembly and Chairman of the Progressives United party.
Premier Wheatley said it was a difficult decision.
“I did so with a heavy heart because I enjoyed working with Honourable Smith, for she was a very capable minister,” he stated.
However, he noted that Smith’s position became untenable due to concerns about her long-term commitment to the administration and possible position regarding an upcoming vote of confidence in the HOA. “She did not give me the confidence that she would remain with my administration for the duration of this term. And this left room for uncertainty and political instability, which we cannot afford at this time,” Wheatley explained.
Smith had been appointed to her roles after the 2023 general election, where she was a key figure in forming the coalition government. Her experience and capabilities were acknowledged by Premier Wheatley, who thanked her for her “hard work and dedication” during her time in office. Nonetheless, the need for political stability to address ongoing challenges in the territory, including governance reforms and infrastructure recovery, became a priority for the government.
With Smith’s departure, Fraser has been sworn in as Deputy Premier and is now the Minister for Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change. He will also manage Labour and Immigration, a role previously held by Smith. Premier Wheatley expressed confidence in Fraser’s ability to contribute to the government’s mission, citing his vast experience in politics. “Honourable Fraser brings much to the table as a former Cabinet Minister and the House of Assembly’s most senior member today, having served as a parliamentarian for over 25 years,” Wheatley stated.
Fraser’s appointment is seen as a step toward ensuring political stability as the government navigates various challenges, including constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom. “His political experience will be invaluable in our future constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom in which the Virgin Islands must become more self-determined,” Premier Wheatley added.
This reshuffle marks a crucial moment in the BVI’s political landscape as the government strives to finalise reforms and boost the territory’s economic growth. Dr Wheatley reaffirmed his commitment to Financial Services and Trade, roles he will now take on directly, promising that these areas “will receive the attention they deserve.”
Smith will continue to serve as Territorial At-Large Representative, and Premier Wheatley expressed hope for a positive working relationship with her moving forward.
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lololololol WOW
No doubt she has tickets to all the smart events taking place around the world for the next two years – she won’t be able to pay for economy class tickets never mind the first class she allegedly demanded when the Govt was paying.
Glad the premier got rid of Lorna, now she can’t help her white friends in the trust company that forced those employees to take a redundancy package or be fired.
That’s a hard and unwelcome decision as I was banking on having her in my pocket sorry I meant corner, to whether this storm caused by Poseidon waving his trident around. I expected it to be easy and automatic to take things offshore but, may have find some catnip to feed mr whiskers instead.
WOW!!
I look forward to some exposès of what really goes on in this government from Lorna Smith.
Mr Wheatley has obviously never heard about keeping your enemies close and people inside the tent.
Lets hope she has enough to bring them down.
She stabbed the opposition in the back, now he stabbed the opposition in the back, I predict the Premier will catch hell from Fraser.
But this is exactly political instability! Frazer is a huge disappointment and simply power hungry! Siding with the person he bad talked over and over again just for his own political and personal gain!
The Hon J. Fraser aka Liberator, R-3 and PU Leader, signal this move at the Opposition press conference. It was also signaled with the delay of the Vote of No Confidence. The Premier sense something. Good political instincts in this instance; other times, ????. Politicians are opportunists. Lorna jumped at opportunity the morning after the election ( April 30 2023.). Julian just did the same thing. They both will say they did it to put country before politics.
Premier will do deals with anyone to cling to power.
Lord the mele start now
So the premiere has went from bad to worse.wow.
I am very disappointed in Fraser. This is all about self-gratification rather than the interest of the people.
Kye, it’s time for you to put the people’s best interest at heart and cross the floor.
It’s time to move the BVI country forward without Wheatley as our leader.
So if kye cross floor don’t you think the work minister position will be vacant and Mitch can fill it or Marlon can fill it.
why are you disappointed???? when is Fraser not about self-gratification???? when has he ever put the people of this country above himself, his personal business and what he can milk from the country for HIMSELF????? WHEN
Those asking for Kye – really? He is tied to Patsy and the cronies. He is t**nted and bad news as he is just a pawn to make their decisions happen.
The BVI has LOST ITS WAY.
Incompetent politicians associated with their former Premier FAHIE in bed with the Colombian drug cartels.
Leaving the island in an absolute mess.
The current Premier continues the mess his predecessor created.
GET RID OF THIS GOVERNMENT ASAP!
The man have to do what he have to do in order to protect his Government. Anyone who cannot understand that is brain dead or simply malicious .
Normally, I would opine at length. I’ll let the dust settle on this one before I do.
Specifically, Ill await any comments from the former Deputy Premier.
Same people crying out for independence but fighting each for power
Not a tbought for the BVI just the pearks.
Expatriate and Belonges Hon Fraser allegedly despises outsiders even though you live and contribute in the country.
This is NO JOKE all of you be aware
He is a miniature Donald Trump. Ayo will go home by the droves
It is now DRAMA begins
Man like dem can never be trusted . Lorna got a douse of her behaviour
you dumb a**!!!
trump dosent like illigal immigrants, you probably one.
get out!!!
Wooooooooow!!!! the BVI has now gone to the Pitts!!
mehn the premier just made it so easy now -Fraser going to agree to the vote of no confidence and get you out of government- and get what he always wanted- to rule the territory. lets hope what ever change is coming its in the interest of the people of the BVI.
2025 going to be interesting!!
The opposition dindt want to give Frasier the Deputy position and definately not the Premiership.Hon. Frasier know how this ting wuk. He will retire on a high note.
karma
Joining a sinking ship.
The former premier wasnt in bed with any cartel he was in bed with the feds which approached him as a complete fool. Had he been a seasoned criminal or anyone with a brain he wouldnt have checked the money himself in the first place as if there woulnt be cameras on the plane they could black mail him with if he was really dealing with a cartel.
He wasnt very smart because as a motivational speaker ex-premier he could have raked in the legal legit millions on his own. Had he read the news he would have read they pulled that same plane money stunt at the very same airport already with people from the usvi. Hooked with old bait.
If the Deputy was indeed courted by the opposition with the promise of the Premiership, it seems her ambitions may have outpaced her judgment. In a political landscape where 4 members of the opposition harbor ambitions to be Premier, yet 0 of the 4 have the altrusim to put the country above their own desires, she may have found herself in the same pit of vipers that led her to cross the floor. This moment should also serve as a lesson in leadership for Premier Wheatley—loyalty is not to be taken for granted. Those who stand by you must be acknowledged and their loyalty reciprocated, for in politics, loyalty from a inconstant is a rare thing. If she was not loyal to the NDP, then it stands to reason she would not display that loyalty to you either.
What is admirable, however, is that she made no pretense. Her ambitions were clear, and she acted with transparency, which is to be commended. She clearly has her sights set on becoming Premier and will navigate the political terrain as necessary to achieve that goal. But let this be a reminder—true leadership is not just about ambition, but about knowing when to lead, when to wait, and how to recognize those who truly stand with you.
DEFAULT PREMIER STATEMENT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE COUNTRY BUSINESS OR THE WORK LORNA SMITH DOES. THIS IS ALL ABOUT FEELINGS, FEELINGS OVER FACTS. RECKLESS SPENDING ON PARTIES, GOING BEHIND THE COUNTRY BACK TRYING TO FORCE INDEPENDENCE, WHEN HE ISN’T MANAGING THE COUNTRIES AFFAIRS, THE COUNTRY MEDICAL, INFRASTRUCTURE, NO PROPER SOCIAL SAFETY ETC NO NEW OUTLET OF INCOME ZERO ZERO ZERO ACCOUNTABILITY. I HOPE YOU LEARN A LESSON LORNA SMITH…..THIS COUNTRY CAN’T GO INDEPENDENT WITH THESE PEOPLE WE WILL HAVE A MINI HAITI AND I DOUDT IT WILL HAVE ANY MORE LEFT BY THE TIME THIS ADMINISTRATION TENURE IS OVER.
This makes no sense!
Removing one of the few people that know what they are doing in government.
Is it because she has an opinion and questions things and doesn’t follow blindly?
They are scared of her.
But look how, a cousin, backstabbing, another cousin, for political gains!
I would have never believed, that the Premier, could have made such a bold move, like this!
And, so close, to re-elections!
I hope, Premier Wheatley, that you’ve made the right decision!
On the surface, it may appear correctly strategized, but, deeply, perhaps, a position of checkmate!
Checkmate!
“the Minister for Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change.”
Please show us taxpayers the qualifications that Fraser processes that would qualify him to become the minister of climate change and natural resources.
His history in politics does not qualify him for these positions.