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Former Deputy Premier Lorna Smith has been removed from office by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and has since been replaced by Third District Representative Julian Fraser.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.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
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.
She think all men like the Doctor
He thinks all women like the Mrs, but there are those who would already sent him down a hill in a wheel barrow
All who are laughing at this situation regarding Hon. Lorna Smith being cowardly removed from our position IS NO DIFFERENT THAN THAT SO-CALLED NARCI****TIC PREMIER WHO ONLY THINKS ABOUT HIMSELF.
Go back now and complain about the state of the Territory while he spend taxpayers’ money like there’s no tomorrow.
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.
There are 2 big themes here…1. the corner woman receiving her payback for deceiving the ndp voters…2. sowande turning out to be the worst leader we have ever seen.
Exactly!
Sowande can continue his unaccounted gifts of
the public purse to the worse of humanity in the Northern Hemisphere for the purpose of lowering to their level of unwanted broke destroyers of
countries and humanity. t
Those white friends make money for the BVI people and the Government decides what to spend it on.
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.
how this looking if luce dont make a decision she can call it quits from now.
Why would she switch??
mitch nor marlon moving try
Well I guess after reading these blogs they wouldn’t want to. But why no one seems to want wall win wallman
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!!!
Dont get carried away by emotions
Trump dumb like a fish
He is old and incapable
He went out and influence get Republicans to thwart the plans for immigrations reform
Look at his project 25
Fraser will send people away by the droves
He is hateful , evil and vindictive
He cannot be trusted
Never told the opposition he was leaving no courtesy . It is the little things that define you moron
He jumped like a grasshopper at the chance to be Premiet
Wait ! Watch! And look out
aya two bi**es keep off of trump
Not all expats. Just those with the cannivalistic thieving genes. Those that are the primary occupants of thefoll to capacity prison in both the USVI and Vi.Those that will forever be swimming gcthe oceans on a futile attempt to escape their cursed souls.Otherwise expats can be the driving force towards prosperity and quality life.
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.
A high note doesn’t mean the position a person holds it is all about the impact they’ve made and the legacy they’ve left behind. As it stands, Fraser’s legacy is that he is the longest serving member of the house. Nothing else.
As for the current premier he will go down in history as one of the BVI’s worst leaders. Do you still think a high position equates to a high note?
My thoughts also. That guy just made it easy for his now new deputy to get rid of him. VONC.
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.
UK? WHERE YA? WE NEED YOU NOW! this is the definition of instability. These people do not know what they are doing, they hanging by a thread!
Next Election:
The next election, if I am still alive, I am not voting for anybody except my district representative – I mean District six (6)
Hon. Sowande is a D****tor. I lost all respect for him. He is no better than A…. This whole government need to be overthrown including the Opposition
Does this mean no more visa exemption for the people from Guyana? Personally, that policy made no sense at all, but ok.
FRASER GONE BACK HOME TO HIS ORIGINAL HOME….THE VIP….who dont like it lump it!
VIP is stronger than ever…More experience
Much evidence of this in D1.
Drug man dem rule!
Ah wonder if this means Fraser is free from being investigated by the CoI…. Just wondering.
But why Fraser……his track record etc etc Traffic lights, Water and Sewage….
People are afraid to run against or vote against these clowns because they may lose jobs or contracts or favors. Together, the parties make one giant oribos -a giant viper swallowing its own tail…and squeezing the people in the middle.
SKELTON caused this. If he didnt form PVIM, NDP would have been the government. ALL becuase he didnt want Myron. Then now he f**ked up the no confidence vote causing Natalio to remain. The skeltons will forever poison the bvi pretending like they dont need politics.
Ah mean you can’t expect one of the founders of a party to just let the new guy come and be party head , so the minute that happened you showed of known they were going to spit. Should start asking why someone else was being pushed to be instead of the one that was there from the beginning.
Me
Yet we fail to trust in GOD
One thing for certain. The UK and all others who really matter for a better BVI,applaud and respect the Smiths of these VI and USVI those in and out of Gov Office. Their contributions their intelligence and their sacrifices..nevr met a dumb one,not in all 60 odd years in these VI. Isalute Hon Smith and know Blessings will be served on her by the Almighty and that Wheatley is only a contribution to the hard lessons that await these VI as a result of “throwing their Pearls to the Pigs”. 2024..hold on!
Congratulations Lorna, you played yourself!
Own goal by Wheatley. She is strong and gets things done and he is weak. Did he just sack her to keep own his position as Premier! Or was it because she criticised the Government for sponsorship the concert? Not sure he wants Lorna on the other side! She had the right idea for the BVI.
Everyone in his district should pressure Kye to cross the floor. Let the motion of no confidence succeed
If he hadn’t fired Lorna he would have lost the vote of no confidence. She would halve voted against him along with 6 members of the opposition. Obviously the price for Fraser not voting against him was to be made deputy, a post he is as suited for as he is to be your appearance advisor.
Only in BVI
He did not sack her face to face but by letter. Its because she allegedly criticised him from spending $220k for a concert when schools and road need repairing.
THE SAME PEOPLE WHO PAID FOR THE TRINI ATTORNEY TO COME HERE FOR YOUR BATTLE WITH MARK WHICH YOU GOT SCHOOLED MARK , AND THE TRINI WALTZ OUTA HERE WITH A COUPLE HUNDRED THOUSANDS OF OUR TAXPAYERS MONEY AFTER DOING NOTHING FOR THE COUNTRY , THAT WAS REALLY SLICK / AND WE CAN’T BLAME HIM , IT WAS A GIFT / HE CAME UN , LAY DOWN SOME SWEET TALK A COLLECTED HIS CASH A D DID THE MOONWALK OUTA HERE PEACEFULLY WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE ( BUT WHEN HE GOT HOME , THEM POLICE WERE WAITING FOR HIM , AND PROBABLY OUTA JAIL NOW AND ENJOYING OUR TAXPAYERS MONEY THAT THE WIGGED ONE , WAS ALLOWED TO SQUANDER BY THE DREW , THE SAME DREW HE KEEPS HOLLERING OUT ABOUT ” FREE THE DREW ” HERE’ A GOOD IDEA , SWITCH PLACES
$200k for a concert when schools and road and water needs repairing – old Lorna is right to criticse.
So Skelton line tells the PM he needs to reshuffle his cabinet and he does. Who is control of the BVI Government?
Governor please take note. The Premier is not doing this for the people of the BVI but for himself.
She should have been Premier!
That’s the Best News for this Mid-Week. Was not she who made him Premier? God neither Slumber nor Sleep.
In God”s Time Not Ours. BAM!!!!! I wish Ah could shake yah Hand Party Mare. Ah mean Premier.
SAMPSON BREAKS DELILAH’S NECK………TEK DAT!
speaks from 2 corners oh his mouth
Lorna is done, she will be a one termer
She was always going to be too much for you all. Too much experience, too much class, honesty and important contacts around the world. Was this your choice or Benito’s? Too outspoken and honest probably. You guys just go ahead and make the BVI independent so you you can be the dictators … puppet of your brother and shameful. You won’t need to fight for independence, I’m sure the UK government will be glad to be rid of you!
She was always going to be too much for you all. Too much experience, too much class, honesty and important contacts around the world. Was this your choice or Benito’s? Too outspoken and honest probably. You guys just go ahead and make the BVI independent so you you can be the dictators … puppet of your brother and shameful. You won’t need to fight for independence, I’m sure the UK government will be glad to be rid of you!
They all take turns wearing the pointy hat. Help us U.K.-wan Keno-be, you are our only hope.
Now sworn in as a Minister of government, Frazer’s position as the leader of a one-man party grants him extraordinary leverage, placing him in a uniquely powerful position within the country’s political arena. His influence is particularly critical as a no-confidence vote looms on the horizon—a vote that could either stabilize the current government or topple it, all hinging on Frazer’s decision. With the balance of power in his hands, Frazer has the potential to manipulate the outcome to his advantage, possibly even positioning himself for the prestigious role of Premier.
Armed with a mix of political acumen, senior experience, and strategic foresight, Frazer has the potential to upend the status quo. His ability to assess the political landscape and navigate the complexities of shifting loyalties and alliances could enable him to capitalize on this opportunity of uncertainty. However, the risks are considerable, and such a move would require not only boldness but also precise timing and calculated judgment.
The critical question remains: does Frazer possess the political savvy and confidence to leverage his influence at this key juncture? The decisions he makes now will either allow him to seize this rare opportunity or let it slip beyond his grasp. His next steps will define his legacy in this defining moment of his political career.
The premier is playing a good chess match ahead of a potential vote of no confidence. Your move Opposition!!
This same opportunist Fraser who cause the opposition to not form the government because he power hungry finally did it, but will also shamefully leave it.
LORNA will be back as Premier before the term is out.