Smith denies pushing new agenda after elections campaign
Deputy Premier Lorna Smith has denied pushing an agenda during the elections campaign that is contrary to the one she currently oversees as Minister for Financial Services, Labour & Trade.
The Deputy Premier was asked at a press conference yesterday about the degree of difficulty in adjusting to a different agenda than the one she reportedly pushed while running for office for the first time.
“I was not pushing a different agenda. I was pushing an agenda for greater efficiency,” Smith responded.
She added: “I’m meeting a situation where there is need for improvement and that is what I was saying and everybody recognises that there is need for improvement in the services that we deliver.”
According to the Deputy Premier, issues such as the lengthy nine-month waiting period for work permit processing and the inordinate time taken for trade licences to be issued were just a few examples of this.
“One of the things I said that I would work towards is cutting red tape, and that is what I plan to do,” she stated.
“So it’s the same agenda, and I’m so happy that I have the opportunity as Deputy Premier to make sure that I can follow through on this promise.
In the meantime, Smith pointed out that Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley spoke about the BVI becoming a more business-friendly country. She pointed to the island nation of Singapore and juxtaposed its level of success with that of the BVI.
“I always use the example of Singapore, which only has services. That’s what they offer,” she said. “And it is so easy to do business there. Yes, they have millions of people living there, so it’s a little different, but in terms of the concept, there is no reason why this country, with less than 40,000 people, cannot become a more business-friendly country.”
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There needs to be a requirement that any application that is made to the Government must be determine within 14 days. If it is not denied or granted within 14 days, it should be deemed to be granted. Arbitrary refusals issued just before the expiration of the 14 days period should be the subject of a very quick appeals process – with a decision on the appeal within 7 days (or a deemed order allowing the appeal).
This woman is as selfish and as self centered as they come. During her press conference she said she switched sides because she made promises to the voters that she has to fulfill. Doesn’t she think that her colleagues on the NDP made promises as to voters as well? The same NDP people that made you win because you could not win any other way? The more she talks the more you see why people didn’t want to vote for her.
AYO WILL SOON FIND OUT WHO SHE IS AND HER REAL MOTIVES
You all still bashing her for crossing. Remember Ronnie Frazer Mitch and Marlon only did not cross because they wanted Premier and not Deputy. So dont come on here with your smoke screen trying to blind the minds of the people who can see through the lies of that press conference. Ronnie Marlon and Frazer failed to come together to form the Government within 9hrs after the last vote was cast.
Mrs Smith I do hope none of the trust company managers are in your ear pushing anything that is not for the BVI people……
Stfu
Time to get over it. Move on!
I voted for her as NDP because I did not want the VIP re-elected, so she let me down by changing sides. However, as it happens, the now opposition seem to be an unruly mob, incapable of running the country. Truth be told I didnt think anyone who was in the HOA before should be elected again. None of them ever said no to anything, and went along, connived even, with the corrupt Fahie, and before, regimes.
based on what you were told rather than what you know as fact. These type of sloppy unsupported gossips do nobody any good. STFU
You seem to be a very impulsive human being. The HOA has not even been sworn in yet. How could you make these sweeping comments? Is this normal?
Lorna, we know you are the real boss here. Sowande has to do EVERYTHING YOU SAY and so far he has done just that lol! We all know you are the actual Premieress and he is just the pawn in this whole game of chess. First, he got played by Andrew now he getting played by you. The older generation, you all are some real cons lol.
I was not pleased with what Lorna did as I had voted for her in good faith.Personally ,I do not like her ,and I have known her since our high school days,but she is a very capable individual.I accept what is and will wait to see what she will do.I hope I am not grossly disappointed.Fingers crossed.
Everybody acting like Lorna is our savior
@Lodger I am going on past performance over many years. Not at all impulsive.
Natalio will soon learn who’s really in charge.
He may have the title of Premier but she will be everywhere he goes including overseas and insist on doing things her way.
I have nothing against the lady . She has proven herself in the Financial Industry BUT i supported her because she was on the NDP ticket .
I am truly disappointed in her haste because there was no rush for her to cross as the time frame for forming the govt was well within range . She jumped first because she thought the other candidates were fickle minded and she would have lost the opportunity.
She is determined but DISLOYAL..: persons like that cannot be fully trusted .
Cut red tape by cutting out inefficient and unnecessary government employees
Which country in the world can offer such accommodation? Get real!