BVI News

It’s a jungle out there! Smith decries unsightly 4th District

Deputy Premier and Labour Minister Lorna Smith

Deputy Premier Lorna Smith has expressed frustration over neglected and unsightly state of the Fourth District.

During a recent House of Assembly (HOA) sitting, Smith lamented the significant deterioration of the district, describing it as the worst she had seen since moving there over four decades ago.

“I don’t need a car to come up here (to the HOA),” Smith told lawmakers. “I could get on a whisp and come — you know [like] Tarzan and Jane? Yes, I’m saying it because that is what McNamara looks like, and it’s in the Fourth District.”

Smith mentioned the lack of progress made through the RATED programme, which was intended to address these issues. She also highlighted the disappointment of tourists who visited the country during the recent August Emancipation Festival and witnessed the unkempt state of the area.

Smith quickly moved to action to address the state of the district, particularly given the influx of tourists.

“In the middle of the night, when I saw so many people (tourists) coming to my country — our country; and when I saw those people coming in, I said they could not come and see this ugly, unkempt, untidy country.”

She commended the efforts of individuals who stepped up to make a positive difference. She acknowledged James Todman, who promptly dispatched a backhoe to clean the area after an inspired late-night call to action. She also thanked two other residents for their assistance in removing trash and debris.

Smith emphasised the importance of leadership and the need for taking initiative. She pointed out that residents are willing to contribute to a clean and tidy community but placed the onus on leaders to take decisive action, stating, “That’s why they elected us.”

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29 Comments

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  1. LOL says:

    FROM DELILAH TO JANE

  2. She should be ashamed says:

    Her government is in power, she and Sharrie are 2 at-large ministers, Luce the rep for the 4th is sitting with her…She got the whole cabinet at her disposal, Kye, Wheatley and the Spreemier

    Like 22
  3. NDP says:

    Come out from amongst them, yo had no call going there in the 1st place

    Like 13
  4. Interested says:

    Has she consulted with Luce Hodge Smith,the district representative?

    Like 15
    • WASTE WOMAN says:

      Luce is a WASTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Had it not been for the residents of McNamara taking the IMMEDIATE action and initiative after the storm by cutting trees and bush and clearing the roads Electricity would not have been able to navigate, much less themselves.

      Tell LUCE to go clear the hospital road of two trees hanging in the road and debris at the bottom of the hill – A HAZARD for any ambulance or car trying to make it to emergency. And while she is at look at the deteriorating hillside right access form the entrance to emergency.

      All that woman does is defer to the accidental premier and sit and grin in the house. (ROLL EYES!!!!!!!!!!!!)

      I am SICK and TIRED of being SICK and TIRED!!!!!

      Like 11
  5. That woman! says:

    Hear this power hungry hypocrite. This woman is responsible for what we are facing. Her political greed is what made her cross the floor. I want back my vote from that wicked granny.

    Like 23
    Dislike 0
  6. Struupes says:

    Oh please, you joined with an incompetent bunch and not talking crap. What did you expect? Is the VIP recent administration new to you? Please shush and get working from talking crap. We get what we elected.

    Like 15
  7. EVEN BETTER says:

    The entire BVI has turned into a jungle with failing infrastructure! What are your plans to turn this country around?!

    This is beyond depressing!

    Like 29
  8. Please says:

    Go and give Public Work Department the equipment they need to get this country clean-up. We spending on Music Fest and all kind of nonsense that you supporting. Public Work should have this country in tip-top shape. You have a bunch of them up there for umpteen of years, retiring and ain’t do a good days work yet. WE NEED TO DO BETTER IN THIS PLACE!!

    A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE PLEASE!!

    Like 20
  9. Lots says:

    of words but no actual sustained clean up!

    Like 10
  10. James says:

    Would love to know the status of the DDM building which is in D 4. Why hasn’t it been finished? Over 10 million and still no finished building. Get Jamesy in there to finish it.

    Like 11
    Dislike 1
  11. Roger Burnett says:

    Before “McNamara” became the name of the present upmarket residential enclave, the location was known as “Poor Man’s Bottom”.

    Like 3
    Dislike 2
    • Refuse Cleaner says:

      You are close, but incorrect.

      It was known as “Poor House Bottom”. The home for the poor and indigent was located nearby. The term “bottom” just refers to a flat area.

      Like 3
      Dislike 1
      • Roger Burnett says:

        Thank you for the correction Refuse Cleaner.

        It’s 40 years ago that I was involved with reviewing BVI place names for updating the OS maps of the territory.

        I mention other interesting place names in my book “Virgin Island Sketches”.

        Have you any idea of the origin of “Throw-way Wife Bay”?

  12. DEE says:

    The entire island is a jungle Madam Deputy premier

    Like 12
  13. Don't Worry says:

    You will have a nice reputation. You will go down in history as being a part of the worst GOVERNMENT in the history of the BVI. Waste of time! I am at peace with my soul because I couldn’t vote for you. I would have been crying all now if I had wasted that X.

    Like 10
    Dislike 0
    • ha ha ha says:

      the only time I saw change in Lorna Smith was during the campaign trail, even going in the ghetto and all. but a leopard doesn’t change their spots, and if they must say that they are in your corner, chances are, they’re not. people prove who they are by what they do, not by what they say, and this Lorna Smith is for the rich and influential, or for whoever can serve her interests. on election day, I didn’t even look at that name on the ballot just like she don’t look at us peasants. so miss me with the bull today and always please.

  14. One termer says:

    Ah want her to broke her skinny * swinging from twig to twig. She ain’t had ah call betraying the NDP and joining the same VIP that she was calling incompetent during the campaign. She think they would change being incompetent? She was thinking about herself and power. They will ruin your name and you deserve it. I ain’t voting for you again so don’t even ask.

  15. Tarzan says:

    The entire BVI should now be labeled as a Jungle/National Park as the overgrown vegetation is at a record all time high! Now Luarna when you were speaking Luce was rite behind yuh – it is evident that you ministers are not on the same page or even book.

    The population cannot and will not take any more of this nonsense as lack of respect. You ministers have no priorities apart from self-enrichment.

    We want a recall, vote of ZERO CONFIDENCE in your government and get you losers out.

  16. @ HA HA HA says:

    Hey waky wigo , one you wrote that stands out is , ” A leopard doesn’t b change its spots ” so you can use all kinds of names but you cannot hide your subterfuge evil and vindictive mentality / SHE IS NOT IN CAHAGE OF THE COUNTRY / WHY THE SO CALLED OPPOSITION DIDN’T –
    ” UNITE ” AND FORM THE GOVERNMENT EH HYPOCRITE ❓️ / YOU NEED TO STAYY ON YOUR RACIST YELLO SITE , YOUR OVERGROWN EGO IS GOING TO DESTROY YOU

  17. No backbone says:

    Then why do you take that and you are the deputy?
    This is stupidity
    Be honest to the people who pit you there

  18. Ausar says:

    You know, I can’t blame Honourable Hodge Smith on this one!

    That district has been a jungle, for quite some time. Even in the days of Mr. Vanterpool.

    It appears to me, that blame should be also had, for the previous representative of the area!

    What is needed, is a comprehensive plan, in place, to effectively tackle, the flora and fauna of the area, which can be passed on to subsequent representatives, regardless of the political party!

    And while we’re talking about the upkeep of the area, don’t forget the roads, and the roadside trash!

    The fourth district comprises of the capital.

    And as such, it’s high time, that area is SPIC AND SPAN, in its appearance, and its odour!

  19. SMH says:

    Hon Smith what stopped you from initiating the beautification of your Community? Couldn’t you just hire or find volunteers to show pride in where they live. You were elected Territorial At Large. Where is your services being displayed besides the hop,skip,and jump to be part of this Administration. Stop throwing shades and bringing issues before the house that you and the 4th district Representative can and should handle diligently. Must you wait on Government to clean up your house and backyard before your guest be disappointed.

  20. Seriously?????? says:

    Such BLATANT HYPOCRISY!!!!!

    “…I saw those people coming in, I said they could not come and see this ugly, unkempt, untidy country.”

  21. Stealth says:

    Hon Hodge-Smith, R-4 common on man,this is low hanging fruit, wah ah gwaan geh ur dun nah. Stop the going along to get along, the typical politician behavior. I have you say you not a politician. So why the hell are you in politics.? Dah Mek $ense.? No. You are a disappointment and the door wide open to becoming one and done.. Get off your @$$ and do something. Collective responsibility is ruining governing in the VI. On the trail, politicians make all kind of promises but in power they sell out the electorate, liking and consumed by the the power, status, self- importance, etc and making the HoA. WTF 10-4.

    • Cuz says:

      Cuz, Hon Luce Hodge -Smith, you falling down , lagging, not leading, on the job. As Michel Obama say do something or face one and done. Put the people before party. Stop being viewed as LESS, waste of time, for you are better than that but you are not performing like it. Do something. Trimming and keeping bush trim cannot be that hard, is it? Why can’t you keep the capital and surrounding area looking aesthetically pleasing ? Why can’t you share what is in the Crown Land Policy with constituents ? How did you vote on the Crown Land Policy? Why did the Governor not assent to the policy? Is there a secret plan in the offing? Did you put party before your constituents? I hope not.

  22. Quiet Warrior says:

    Yes, District 4 has a District Rep Luce Hodge-Smith, and 4 At Large reps,Skelton, de Castro, Buddha (Mather), and Smith , plus the Premier Wheatley. The 6 if you cannot keep the City district clean and looking beautiful?

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  23. WEW says:

    You’re the Deputy Premier so take care of it.

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