Premier seeks UK approval for Smith’s appointment as State Minister
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley announced that he is seeking retroactive approval from the United Kingdom for Lorna Smith’s appointment as Minister of State within his government.
In a special announcement yesterday, March 11, Dr Wheatley revealed Smith’s surprise return to his government and disclosed that she would be the territory’s first Minister of State.
“I will be recommending to His Excellency the Governor that she be appointed Minister of State for Financial Services and Economic Development,” the Premier said.
However, during an interview with JTV’s The Big Story, the Premier explained that although Smith now occupies one of the two junior minister positions, the role of Minister of State is not officially recognised under the current constitutional framework. “Right now, Minister of State doesn’t presently exist. We would like to see it happen and happen as quickly as possible,” Dr Wheatley said.
He noted that introducing the designation of Minister of State would require a constitutional amendment, which could be facilitated during the upcoming constitutional negotiations in the UK.
“This is something that I have put to the governor about having the option of being able to appoint ministers of state, parliamentary under-secretaries, etc.,” Dr Wheatley explained.
He stated that he had already discussed the matter informally with the governor and would follow up with a formal written request. He also plans to raise the issue with UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty.
“I’m actually having a meeting with Minister Stephen Doughty [today]. It’s something that I plan to bring up to Minister Doughty and see how quickly it’s something that we can get done,” he said.
Premature appointment?
Responding to concerns that Smith’s appointment was premature and should have waited until the constitutional change was made, Dr Wheatley acknowledged the sequence of events but emphasised the urgency.
“In discussions with Honourable Smith, I think it was something that she was very passionate about as it pertains to the Minister of State, and I agree,” he said. “I agree, especially when you’re talking about financial services and the fact that it’s a big revenue earner for the Virgin Islands.”
If the constitutional amendment is approved, Smith would be officially designated as Minister of State. Until then, she will continue to serve as a junior minister. “My point in communicating it is that it’s something that we want to get done as quickly as possible, and we will basically be letting persons know of our intention of getting it done,” he added.
Dr Wheatley also confirmed that Smith would be invited to Cabinet to discuss matters related to her portfolio but would not be a Cabinet member. “She’s not a member of Cabinet because we only have five ministers who are members of Cabinet, but she would be invited to Cabinet to be able to discuss matters as necessary relating to her portfolio,” Dr Wheatley clarified.
The Premier indicated that the government is also exploring the possibility of increasing the number of junior minister positions to allow for a broader representation in governance.
The final decision on Smith’s appointment as Minister of State now rests with the UK government, pending constitutional review and approval.
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In the British system minister of state is subordinate to a senior minister, they all can give her instructions.
Not quite. In the British system, a Minister of State is a junior minister who is subordinate to a Secretary of State or another senior minister (such as the Chancellor of the Exchequer or the Home Secretary). However, they are not subordinate to all senior ministers—only to the one heading their specific department.
For example, a Minister of State for Security within the Home Office reports to the Home Secretary, but not to other Secretaries of State (e.g., the Foreign Secretary or the Defence Secretary).
So, while a Minister of State can receive instructions from their department’s senior minister, they do not take orders from all senior ministers across the government.
No Natalie! You cannot and will it ammend OUR constitution to appease Lorna’s ego and solidify the deal you and her made while in China. What makes Lorna the ONLY authority on FS in the entire BVI?!?
Your government is a failure. Look at the mess on Joes Hill
With the roadworks! No signage, amateur hour seems to be the new replacement for happy hour in the government ministries. Abject failures all around.
Marlon next to become a junior minister after Dawson becomes deputy speaker. What a bunch of clowns
Minister of betrayal
Shut up cicada. Shoo. You need to be sprayed with some ammonia you disloyal betraying to the Territory creep.
Tr**tor to the Country and the people you big head u**y dis***ting u**y bush man. Get the h**l out of here.
Wow.
So you are now not even abiding by the Constitution of the VI.
What is the point of revising this one and coming up with a new one if you won’t follow that one either.
Premier 487 is addicted to dubious activities.
The Bible is fulfilling in front of our eyes and we are so blind we cannot see
Nations are angry
Look at Trump
Turning on his greatest allies Canada
The tariffs and its implications on our imports
The instability in our own government
Trump
Threatening to take away visaa from the Carb bean if they continue to use the support of the Cuban doctors as paid workers or for free
USVI Governor airmarking BVI to bring up to Trump
We still here fighting and have not improved on planting a sweet potato or cassava in out counyry for survival….
Are we taking notice
I hope the UK DENY YOU WITH A GOOD HOT BACK HAND SLAP. ARE YOU GOING TO END UP JUST LIKE THE ONE SITTING IN THE FEDS PLAY PEN YOU DAMN TWO LEGGED ALWAYS IN HEAT DOG?
I have a different taste in my mouth when it comes to Lorna. For POWER she has become the Premier’s lap dog and whipping girl on a tight leash. All he has to do now is pull the leash and she obeys his commands.He got her right where he wants her. Someone publicly embraced me by firing me there is no way I am going back. They are all dirty snakes coiled up in the snakes lair including her. I no longer have respect for Lorna no matter how smart they say she is.She looking for Premier position. She already had her turn as being Premier when her husband was Premier. We all know she was running the Country and calling the shots.
the accidental premier strikes again