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.