No regrets! Lorna Smith denies making ‘power play’
Newly appointed Deputy Premier, Lorna Smith, OBE has insisted that she holds no remorse about teaming up with the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) to help form the new government.
“To an extent, yes, there may have been some lack of communication,” Smith said about her sudden and unexpected move to merge with the VIP, “but I have no regrets. I have no regrets, absolutely.”
Smith made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with Cut Deep host, Cindy Rosan, after her swearing-in ceremony last evening, April 25.
The newly-minted Deputy Premier defended her decision to make that alliance with the VIP while contending that she felt the territory was in a state of limbo without a government being formed hours after the elections had ended.
Smith, who emerged as the second-highest Territorial At-Large vote getter, also pointed to the likelihood of protracted negotiations over details of the formation of a coalition government.
In offering insight into what transpired behind the scenes, Smith explained that promised negotiations that began between elected members of the National Democratic Party (NDP) — on whose platform she ran — and the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM), never continued as expected the following day. The Deputy Premier noted that both parties had agreed to resume negotiations at 8am on the morning after the elections.
“Nobody called me. Nobody contacted me, you know? Eight o’clock,” she said. “It’s the Caribbean. So, I thought that perhaps, ‘Caribbean time’. So, a couple of hours elapsed, and still no call [came]. So at that point, I conferred with my family again and spoke with the Virgin Islands Party.”
Ministry post agreed, but no power play
Smith maintained that her interest laid predominantly in getting the government formed and moving forward and when asked whether her move was a ‘power play’, She simply responded: “No, a power play? No.”
Smith then made a noticeable pause after being asked whether she would have considered taking a role in the VIP-led government as a parliamentary backbencher — without a ministerial post . “Well, I have to think about that. If I had to, yes, I would have,” she said.
Smith indicated that she was uncertain about her ministerial assignment thus far but asserted that she was hopeful about being assigned a post that was close to her interests.
“I’m grateful that [my appointment] was confirmed this evening,” Smith commented. “It puts me in a position. I don’t know which ministry I will have… those are matters to be agreed on; negotiated and so on.”
She added: “It was confirmed that I would, of course, get a ministry [and] I’m hoping that the ministry would be one that’s related to my area of immediate interest, and that is international business and financial services, [and] tourism if I can get it.”
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
traitor
Lorna is not being truthful. The truth will come out. The selfish way that she ran her campaign was indicative of her intentions. She had her own billboards without her colleagues. Her colour was orange and her tshirts had nothing NDP on it. During the rallies she was not supportive of her colleagues when they were speaking. She only got excited when it was her turn to speak. She was all about herself because she had her plans. Many had to convince others to vote for her because people didn’t like her and didn’t trust her and she has proven them right.
Now she is on a media campaign to cover her deceitful act. The truth will come out.
Lorna was in her own corner all the time. This behaviour seems to be embedded in their family. Look at the grasshopper in the corner taking pictures.
But the people feel betrayed.
Well she is now in charge of the NHI so that will never get fix because she wont do anything to affect her brother
The look on Kye’s face says it all
Lorna has failed the country, the youths, the concept of democracy. Where is this powerful negotiator that she claimed to be. Seems like this is what she does. Claim to be an experienced negotiator for the country in the light but literally making plans with the devil in the dark. Did you tell your party they have a certain time to make negotiations or else you going to the VIP? NO. Of course you have no regrets. You’re a snake. Nothing she can say will change the minds of the majority. Zero respect. Zero trust. All it took was a delayed phone call for her to jump. BS.
Kye’s facial expression says how we all feel. Lorna didn’t do this from the country it was done for herself.
BVI will always remain a greedy state because of leaders like herself—more of the same for another 4 years.
She started out as an Independent. You ever stop to think that just maybe she had her election paraphernalia ordered before she formally joined the NDP. What was she supposed to do with them? Throw them away??
While the newly elected Deputy Premier denies her actions was not a power play, the reality is even with her denials that her move to contact the VIP to make them an offer amounted to that.
She would not have done that if she did not have something of significant value to negotiate with.
She knew she had something of value that the VIP and the other parties wanted which was her aligning with them to form he government.
She also knew that she garnered the second largest amount of votes as well.
She was not sitting around all day waiting for the other folks to call her. Why should she?
She saw an opportunity to secure the Deputy Premiership and a ministry and she took it. IMO, a power move, and guess what? I do not fault her.
I’m certain the Premier could not believe his good fortune when he got or learn of that call. The VIP would have given her anything she wanted to get her on their side, and it looks like they both got what they wanted.
She did the right thing imo. In life, timing is everything for those who really want to succeed. What to get things done, you have to get to the gate early.
When people tried to talk to Marlon about putting her and Picko on his team, he balked. He can sip on this one now.
What truth? Lorna and VIP have been sworn in and the country has to run. Nobody will care in about 10 days why she crossed, they will only care that they voted for her and they want to see the country move forward. We are here acting as if having Mitch, Fraser, Marlon, Myron, Ronnie, Lorna on the same side would have ran so smoothly. We are calling Lorna all kinds of names but look within. Her move probably saved us from a UK takeover!
Understand this, Lorna controls the government.
VIP cannot pass a law without her approval. They cannot give an untendered contract without she says yes. They cannot so easily fill their pockets.
The Vipers gave a mongoose in the nest.
It is the best thing she could have done to protect the people from the crooks and incompetents.
While the newly elected Deputy Premier denies her action was not a power play, the reality is even with her denials that her move to contact the VIP to make them an offer amounted to that.
She would not have done that if she did not have something of significant value to negotiate with and offer.
She knew she had something of value that the VIP and the other parties wanted which was her aligning with them to form he government.
She also knew that she garnered the second largest amount of votes as well.
She was not sitting around all day waiting for the other folks to call her. Why should she?
She saw an opportunity to secure the Deputy Premiership and a ministry and she took it. IMO, a power move, and guess what? I do not fault her.
I’m certain the Premier could not believe his good fortune when he got or learn of that call. The VIP would have given her anything she wanted to get her on their side, and it looks like they both got what they wanted.
She did the right thing imo. In life, timing is everything for those who really want to succeed. What to get things done, you have to get to the gate early.
The lady was not sitting around waiting for men to get out of bed, get dressed, and show up for an important date.
The other side knew how critical it was to act, and they apparently missed an opportunity to form the government with her.
Now, to those who are disappointed with her decision, I understand that you may feel betrayed. However, ask yourselves, given the circumstances, what alternative would have been preferable?
Do you think a coalition government with the other parties would have panned out? Do you think that the governor would have been better off selecting the Premier?
In my view, I don’t believe either of those alternatives were good options.
Is that Mark in the corner?
I feel ashamed to know that no matter the so call experience under her belt she still do not understand the concept that when the people put you in power, your first responsibility is to the people. She did not consult with the people. She consulted with her family? And none of them had sense to advise her? But the truth does not lie. The decision to join vip was not made on that day. She always had vip in her back pocket just in case. That is why Mark had vip in his mouth. The truth does not lie.
Thousands feel betrayed today because of Lorna behaviour as the song says who to trust she is linked up with a party that is barefaced liars especially the Premier and that Minister from the 9th District.
Please do no let this vulture get her greedy hands on tourism nor the financial institution. Lawd save us if she does. She’s gonna destroy the government from within, you have brought a snake into your house and expect it not to poison or eat you.
Did you realize Lorna started her campaign as an independent candidate? So she was to invest money again to redo posters? Country above self. Some of u behaving like is the UK ayo want to run things. PVIM want premier and deputy that’s why they never follow through with the deal and Fraser want premier as well so the only way out was for someone to join the VIP since they only wanted 1 more
Ladies and gentlemen, that is what the face of a traitor looks like. Needs to be a meme.
I get it…not everyone is a fan of William Shakespeare and his plays but we can’t deny how timeless they are given their relevance today. With that said, I am reminded of the classic Shakespearean tragedy/ historical play “Julius Caesar” simply because I am observing many parallels play out in real life, especially in the aftermath of these elections.
I can’t help but feel as though Virgin Islands in this moment are like Caesar in the scene where he is assassinated by the Political thugs i.e. Politicians in Rome stabbing him to death for power while masking this in their self righteous explanation of this being for the greater good of their country.
For those unfamiliar with this historical tragedy there is a heartbreaking moment when Caesar realizes that one of the persons stabbing him to death is someone he thought was an ally and friend…the noble Brutus! So in response to Mrs Smith’s admission that “there may have been some lack of communication” BUT “I have no regrets, absolutely”…: it is painful to hear this disregard for the feelings of hurt, pain, betrayal, and disappointed felt and expressed by many many persons who voted her…whether or not you agree with these sentiments expressed her response rubs even more “salt in these wounds”…truly a lack of empathy for those who feel bloodied and bruised by witnessing the Groundhog Day moment of the VIP returning to government despite all the “vote them out” sentiments expressed by many including her on the campaign trail.
Once again, whether you agree or disagree, there is a reasonable sense that her power move into the Deputy Premiership position came about as a result of what many feel was a shocking display of gross misrepresentation and highly questionable integrity…maybe all that can be said at this point is to echo Julius Caesar in that moment of recognition while being mortally wounded “Et tu, Brute?”…..you too Lorna?….such a shameful disregard and what’s even worse a truly ill advised response of ” no regrets, absolutely”….like it or not, justifiable in your view or not, it HURTS and still hurts many persons…likely to result in adverse consequences to our democracy, political landscape and governance….
I suppose given the landscape it was inevitable that a Brutus would arise, even he was described as an honorable person by some BUT he still betrayed and stabbed Caesar…hope it was worth the price ultimately paid by the people…hope the people can recover from their wounds (unlike JC)…. ????????
in the HOA now. Watch out! The VIP is desperate for power and so is the independent/ex-NDP lady. The drama continues!
Decent and honest people came forward but you all were too busy bringing them down with Lorna in Al you corner. I would have liked to see fresh and intelligent faces. Respect to these warriors on the campaign trail:
Ingrid
Mitsy
Shaina
Daniel
Listen to Misty again. Representation is not for all you self. Danel say stop the frig. Ingrid say integrity matters. All you were too busy hating on these upstanding people. Take all you licks.
Did she have her own billboards ordered at that time as well? Save the bull! She was saying she was independent because she wanted to see if the NDP would pick up steam before she joined them. When she saw they picked up steam she jumped on board. If she had tshirts before I am sure she had to re-order new ones at some point. She could have made the changes then. Stop making excuses to cover up deception. Lorna used the NDP to get elected because nobody would have elected her on her own. She is a Jezebel. Her campaign was the most selfish campaign I have ever seen in all my life.
Lorna is a Deceiver, A trickster, a Scamp!!
A Delilah. She will pay for this. God is watching!! She will pay for this, God don’t like ugly.
People voted for Lorna Smith because of the NDP. No one wanted to vote for her because she is known to not be a nice person. People hold their noses to vote for her because they wanted change from the VIP and now look what she did. People who were not voting for her were right all along about her. The woman is no good.
How long will it take to force Hon Wheatley out?
I say 18 months max.
A pool (no politicians allowed) would mean at least one voter will benefit from this mess.
Betting HQ: NYPizza?
Selfless or selfish given her ego?
This was Exsactly what I pictured too as well .. you did an excellent job or describing this betrayal to a T . This will linger on for years and the ppl will not forget . ” You too Lorna ” …. this was unbelievable even to me that she betrayed the very ppl she said she represents. A classic move , by a woman who preached but never walked the talk .
Lorna has been running the country already for the last 40+ years due to her positions and through her family. All it got us was her family members getting richer every day and BVI looking like a Third World Country instead of having decent infrastructure, schools and healthcare. She fooled you all to vote for her, now you will have to live with the consequences
Well..every politician works in their own self interest. Whether her action here was selfless or selfish is a good question and debatable.
There is no doubt in my mind she made a decision in her own self interest as well as in the best interest of the country at this time given the realities of the election outcome.
Look…I get it. Some people are disappointed and they are right to have their own feelings on this. IMO, its up to her to prove them wrong, and demonstrate over time that her move was in the country’s best interest.
Ill just say to those who are disappointed in her coming from my own outlook on life. Learn to live in a world of disappointment.
Life is filled with disappointments, and it’s in ones best interest as a matter of survival that no matter what happens in this life, particularly when things don’t pan out the way we had envision, that you can still carry on with living.
I personally do not put my trust in politicians. I don’t expect anything from them. I exercise my right to vote, but I live life in such a manner that regardless of the outcome of any election, I am not too emotionally invested whereby my life falls apart.
For me, I am prepared for any outcome. I do not allow these sorts of things to affect me. I note what has occurred, and keep it moving.
Exactly!!! That woman does turn up her nose at the low and middle class income folks, but she gots time for the high society ones. But look how she had to deceive the same low & middle class people to get votes. The way she did it was very deceptive.
I watched the CUT DEEP interview last night, and here is what I gathered. Lorna said a decision needed to be made and SHE made that decision. WHO is she to make that decision? there were 48 hours in which to form a government – she didn’t even wait 12. She knew that PVIM had been in talks with VIP but those went nowhere. She knew that if ANYONE agreed to work with the VIP (PVIM, NDP, PU) then she would be on the opposition. So to make sure she secured HER seat, she jumped ship. It was premature and based off her concern that someone else would be willing to do it too. It also appeared that she was concerned that if a coalition was formed outside of the VIP she would not be making it into cabinet. Her decision was a calculated powerplay to ensure her seat in cabinet. This was at the forefront of her mind, not the people who voted her in. In the interests of the territory I would urge Ronnie and Stacy to enter into this ‘coalition’ and I would urge Natalio to give them seats in Cabinet. Ronnie should swallow his pride and step up as a minister in whatever department he is given.
Why are the voters upset? You voted for Lorna and instead of being in the Opposition, she is the Deputy Premier. Tell Mather to go over as well. lol. You cannot be upset with the VIP for having 13 candidates which enabled them to have 6 elected, that’s not their fault. They got 6, they needed 7, they had the advantage and used it, that’s how politics works.
Get a grip people. The VIP got the most seats. Idiots and the bribed voted for them They only needed one person to form the government.
So out of the elected who would you have looking after the peoples interests?
Fraser? He is worse than them
And for the NDP to rule they would have had to take him too.
Lornas move keeps Fraser out and herself in there watching them like an Eagle watching chickens.
After the VIpers getting the most seats this was the best possible outcome for the country.
Next time dont vote for the Vipers.
Stop chat foolishness. We just had a free, fair and transparent elections and we all know we had to live with whatever the results would be. There must be a winner and a loser. There is no need to be bitter nor blame Natalio, Lorna, nor VIP. I am not a VIP supporter & did not vote for them, but I like the outcome & will support the government. I am disappointed & ashamed of Ronnie, Mitch, Myron, Fraser & Marlon who because of arrogance, pride, greed and selfishness could not form the Government with the seven members they had. As a woman it seems to me they took for granted Lorna because she is a woman and like most men think of woman they should be seen and not heard and accept what is decided. They are the ones who have proven to be greedy and a mistake. Long Live the Prosperity of the BVI.
you are incorrect. they can certainly hand out untendered contracts without her approval or support. contracts happen within ministries and within Cabinet. they do not require unanimous approval
Three thousand plus of you idiots voted her in. Good, take that, you all should’ve known better. Lorna displayed nothing more or less than what she is. Seems election does blind you people, let’s not forget the short term memory the majority seem to have.
What is the difference between what Andrew Fahie did and Lorna did? These are different events but the mind is still the same. Dirty dirty, deceptive and corrupt. People like Marlon, Mitch and Ronnie know about backstabbing and deception already so they will be just fine. It surprising because it was done by a woman. Them old boys got played like a fiddle.
This is far from over…Not surprise if more crossing over takes place..Won’t surprise if Lou cross the floor for a ministry, wont surprise if Mather cross over for a junior ministry, most of all I won’t surprise if Ronnie resign,
She has to tow the VIP line. Where will she go if she isn’t getting along or going against the VIP mandate? Back to NDP? PVIM? She is a minority in the majority. And the government is one walk away from failing.
She now has no choice but to stick with the VIP no matter what.
Thank you. You are absolutely correct! Ronnie, Mitch, Fraser & Marlon had the 7 to form the government, instead they decided to play a pissing match. I guess it’s easier to blame someone else for your failure. You snooze, you loose. Period!
Just some time ago, people were ranting and raving about Dr.Smith and the plane and included Lorna in the ranting cause y’all said she wasn’t born here blah,blah,blah…..now,she slither in with a sly smile and big promises and she GOT Y’ALL GOOD!!! That same dry prune ??is NOT a humble woman and I’m sorry and still not sorry for those who drank her Kool-aid…..she GOT THE LAST LAUGH and she’s laughing at all of you gulliable voters ??
More of the same. UK SAVE US
HON LORNA SMITH OBE KEEP MOVING DONT STUDY ALL THESE HATERS THEY WILL GET OVER IT SOONER OR LATER
Lorna wasn’t in support of Ronnie being Premier..
At the end of the day big game politics is not for the faint at heart. Lorna made a power play that caught the big boys sleeping. Let’s not kid ourselves, whatever deal the other 6 guys were planning would’ve left Lorna at the back of the class and she knows this. She is not stupid! Lorna is getting all the flack for this but PVIM and NDP get a pass? They were both one and the same just 4 years ago and it seems people forget. What could be so hard for them to form a government? But they didn’t reunite to contest elections and you think they would reunite to form Government? Most people only seem to be upset at the fact that Sowande is Premier again and they are using Lorna as a fan for those flames. Sowande is the King Maker, salute him, he made a move of all moves. Despite alllllllllllll the odds against the VIP this man has become Premier. Give the man some props and formed Government within 24hrs of elections.
I didn’t want to vote for her but I saw through her selfishness during the campaign but I was influenced by my mother to do it and I did. Now we both want back our votes from her. I feel betrayed. I will never vote again
“I have no regrets” she says, licking her lips in delight.
The thing is we all have been played. But it is ok. Actually it is not ok. But all wrongs does become right. Light does be shown on darkness. She saw an opportunity and she took it. So that was definitely about self. I’m sure it was with the help of the sheep in wolf clothing MARK. Anyways! Andrew use voodoo to win last election look how da worked out for him……lona use tricks to get DP let’s see how well da work out for her.
Ms. Smith, if you know the amount of young people who are more in depression, broken hearted and disappointed you will never use the word regret.
We have lost a generation who will not make their democratic right to vote. Many will not be voting again. You were put in by we the voters and we had a right to the decision you made. We voted for a change. We had need to breath under a new administration even for 4 years. Too many things happened.
We believe what you say can we really trust you.
Blame you all selves for being blind and naive…a blind man could have seen that these two parties wasn’t going to merge.
boy you gorne blogg crazy on Lorna , if we include all blogging on al
3 news site , you got 95% of blogging by blogging under different names to create fake numbers / and it all boils down to ( greed , power , hypocrisy etc amongst yourselves , and the whole world saw it live and direct ? you all exposed you all true selves, only heaven knows what really went on in you all minds , hopefully those who is in charge will be honest in working together for the better of the people and the country ( LAVITY STOUTT) ACHIEVEMENTS SHOULD BE EMULATED TO TAKE THE COUNTRY FORWARD WITH INTEGRITY AND RESPECT FOR
ALL , SO FOCUS YOU ALL ENERGY IN THAT DIRECTION , thank you ?
She couldn’t wait 48 hours to negotiate?
The country was NOT in limbo less than 12 hours after Election Results.
This is about making HISTORY and POWER. It is mostly self-serving.
Apart from that, we shall see whether 2 dictators as Premier and Deputy could manage the country without fighting each other.
It’s quite refreshing drinking the tears of all the Sowande and VIP haters. They were so excited and happy at the thought of changing government but they forgot about the invisible hand in the sky that makes no mistakes. Forward ever, Backward never. The swamp has been drained of them fake unity members, Marlon and Mitch. Anyways lemme go read some more of them angry comments and eat my popcorn.
No, a power play? No.”
So if it was just to form a government why did she have to get the deputy premier post?
You and all the jokers who blogging s**t against Lorna need to go and take a shower / you all got to be looking s**tty too , so go and take a look in the mirror and don’t be surprised if it breaks
Geeeeeez NDP supporter Salty!!! Lol get over it!!!
Let move forward!
So you know what they call a woman who do anything for reward…? Now we know what Lorna really is.
No power play??? Then why start out with a lie…Your decision to join VIP was made way before 10am. I would even dare to say in the early hours of the 25th. What other lies are you prepared to tell to cover up that one lie?
A native Virgin Islander to the Nth generation
Some of these comments bashing Lorna tells how uneducated people really are.. NDP had 3 which means they needed 4 more to form the government remember Marlon went to Ronnie before the election to come together as one party but they refuse because he wanted to lead and also Mitch said where ever his chairman goes he have to be deputy so that merging didn’t materialize Fraser endorsed PVIM as they vice versa which played a big role for both Fraser and PVIM since PVIM did had a candidate in the 3rd so to the electorates it was clear Fraser was going to join the PVIM to form the government needs be, majority of Fraser votes went to PVIM at-large team. If they couldn’t get it together before the election how they going get it together after. So here it is the country in limbo to form a government, Ronnie was out of the house last election would be fair for Marlon who had been sitting in the opposition and as leader of the opposition and also played a major part in forming the unity government to surrender leadership to Ronnie, if I was Marlon I would have gone to the VIP and negotiated for my 2 other colleagues and myself my demands would have been deputy leader/health along with a next ministry and a junior minister and left PVIM and Fraser in the opposition let them stay over there and see what there egos had cause them.
If PVIM and NDP couldn’t get it together before the election how they going get it together after? Reality is her party needed 4 to form the government if it was 6-6 and she made that move then we can say all manner of evil. The 2 parties were engaged but here it is Fraser and Ronnie wants premiership and Mitch wants deputy and clearly She wasn’t for that so it’s obvious that the government couldn’t form on that side of things so she went to the other side that only needed one. Now look at thi bigger picture 13 in the house 6 is from 1 party when time to pass a bill that is not in the people’s interest then we will see who really is for the people
Strups! First off, I am not happy with Lorna’s move, but Lorna is a financial services guru! She started BVI Finance and most of our international offices like the Hong Kong Office! You think she is going to destroy what she built? You all just love to comment for commenting sake!
Second of all, NOBODY can destroy Government more than what DREW and his crew did and all the mistakes of the last 4 years under the VIP! Go have several seats please.
I think Lorna do what best for the island
The opportune word in your little testimonial is VIP!!!
Well said.
Thousands of voters are still behind Lorna. Mitch and Ronnie supporters are fueling this talk about integrity and snake…they need to keep out of NDP affairs. I don’t want to hear Ayna Hull opinion she is no longer part of the NDP. We still love you Lorna.