Lorna Smith to accompany Premier on Asia trade mission

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has announced that former Deputy Premier Lorna Smith will join his delegation on an upcoming Asia trade mission.

The delegation leaves for Asia today, February 14, and includes Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn.

Dr Wheatley stressed the significance of the mission in a statement read in the House of Assembly yesterday. “We must make every effort to ensure that our financial services industry continues to thrive as it is a critical lifeline to the territory’s finances along with tourism, our other economic pillar,” the Premier said.

According to the Premier, the BVI is taking proactive steps to ensure that its financial services industry can effectively navigate this plethora of changes and give greater certainty in international finance as a highly reliable jurisdiction and partner.

Meanwhile, Premier Wheatley highlighted the importance of unity in supporting the financial services sector, noting that both Smith and Penn have extensive experience in this field.

Collaboration despite sacking

Smith’s inclusion in the delegation is particularly notable, given her dismissal from the government in October 2024 over concerns expressed by Premier Wheatley at the time. The Premier explained that he removed Smith from her ministerial roles over concerns about her commitment to his administration. “She did not give me the confidence that she would remain with my administration for the duration of this term,” the Premier said while announcing Smith’s dismissal.

Following her removal, Smith declined an offer to serve as a Junior Minister for Financial Services, expressing concerns about the Premier’s leadership and the direction of the government.
Despite their past disagreements, Smith’s participation in the Asia trade mission indicates a collaborative effort to bolster the territory’s financial services industry. The mission will focus on strengthening ties with Greater China — the BVI’s largest market, and exploring opportunities in Southeast Asia.

“We must continue to reassure and reaffirm the Chinese market of the territory’s commitment to servicing their clientele in the midst of vast changes underway in the global economy and international regulatory landscape,” Dr Wheatley explained. “Impending tariff and sanctions-based trade wars, implementation of a global minimum tax, weaponisation of data and social media, and greater segmentation of the global economy have created large degrees of uncertainty in the global economy at a time when new technologies are flourishing in artificial intelligence and EVs.”

The delegation will also include Executive Director for International Business in the Ministry of Financial Services, Ayanna Glasgow; Acting Director of the International Affairs Secretariat, Donnell Davis; and Director of Communications, Karia Christopher. The BVI’s Hong Kong office has reportedly been instrumental in organising the mission, and the Premier expressed hope for successful outcomes.