Second local Attorney General to be sworn in Thursday

Dawn Smith will be officially sworn in as the territory’s second local Attorney General on October 1.

This is according to a government commissioned media release which said that an invite-only swearing-in ceremony will be held at a Special Sitting of the House of Assembly on Thursday.

Speaker of the House Julian Willock spoke on the appointment of Smith and explained why the ceremony will be hosted under special circumstances.

“This will be another historical occasion for the territory. Regrettably, because of the COVID-19 pandemic protocol, we can only accommodate a limited number of people; therefore, it will be by invitation only.”

Premier Andrew Fahie said he looks forward to working with Smith as he believes that she will bring plenty of value in her new role and help the territory continue to advance.

“I do believe she will be the ultimate professional in the carrying out of her duties as Attorney General. My government has a very ambitious legislative agenda that will require Ms Smith to hit the ground running. However, we have every confidence in her ability to excel. We pray that God will guide her every step in the post of Attorney General,” Premier Fahie stated.

Experience

According to the aforementioned media release, Smith has executed numerous capacities while serving in the territory’s public sector over the years, which include serving as General Counsel to the Financial Services Commission.

She also currently serves as Chairperson of the BVI Chapter of the Caribbean Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is a member of the BVI Bar Association.

“Her current professional credentials and memberships include Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC), Arbitral Women, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Supreme Court of England & Wales (non-practising), Notary Public for the territory of the Virgin Islands, BVI Bar Association and Barrister, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (Virgin Islands),” the release added.

Smith will be replacing the present Attorney General Baba Aziz, who has served from 2010 to 2011 and also from 2015 to 2020.

The ceremony is scheduled to commence at 10 am.