Smith not sure what was Premier’s breaking point
Former Deputy Premier Lorna Smith has said she was unsure what was the breaking moment that led Premier Natalio Wheatley to revoke her appointment as Deputy Premier and Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade.
During a press conference held shortly after Smith’s removal was announced on Wednesday, October 24, Smith was asked what she thought prompted Premier Wheatley’s decision.
Smith responded that she could not speak to the Premier’s reasoning; however, she indicated that she had been vocal about her views.
“I’ve been very vocal in terms of decisions that the Premier has taken,” Smith stated. “When I needed to support him, I supported him. But when I could not, I did not.”
“The last one, for example, the $220,000 that was spent without the government’s knowledge to bring a concert to the BVI when there are so many other needs and so many other priorities,” Smith stated. “For you to take up that kind of money for a concert when you would have just done three more previously [is unacceptable],” Smith continued.
Smith then responded to a question regarding the Premier’s reaction to her speaking out against him on the ZBVI radio platform.
“He wasn’t happy, but I had spoken. I told him that I would speak out against it, so it’s no surprise to him,” Smith responded.
It was confirmed on October 16 that the government invested $220,000 with Steve Parillon of YOLO Promotions for a Vybz Kartel concert scheduled for March 2025.
However, prior to its confirmation, Smith, along with Minister for Communication and Works Kye Rymer, spoke separately on ZBVI radio. Both Smith and Rymer stated they were against the investment, noting that more pressing issues needed attention in the territory.
In defense of the sponsorship, Premier Wheatley stated that he believes Vybz Kartel can have a positive impact, despite concerns within the BVI.
He also emphasised that the Vybz Kartel concert is intended not only to boost the economy and promote tourism but also to positively influence youth who may be heading down the wrong path.
Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was released from a Jamaican prison earlier this year after serving 13 years, following the quashing of his murder conviction by the UK’s Privy Council. His first known concert is set to take place in Jamaica later this year.
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Fraser to the rescue.
Good leaders know when to follow and when to lead. She was more effective being part of the administration in such a visible and vital role and there she could affect change/ control /accountability. A no confidence vote was not the time for ambiguity .
Woman get on with it! We have moved on without you. The country never voted for you to be in the Government.
None of the parties dont/cant trust you Delilah
A grasshopper just like her brother
lol / okay & see now ) yeah rite , we see you cannot stay on your racist yello site / blogging under different names DOSEN’T cover your TRADEMARK odio badmindedness and the JOY uou get from bad mouthing people / wigo U are A sicko
Sampson broke Delilah’s neck
Natalio played the card game faster – she was about to cross and bring down the government
…..She will be back.
she is done, she wont be elected again
So, the Premier thinks someone emerging from 13 years in prison is the right person to “positively influence youth”?.
utter rubbish what can he tell my child he’s not a good example neither is he a roll model for any bodies child. This man cant even stand up for 15 minutes good.
Natalio has the CATRICOM fever. Diabolical and destructive of country as demonstrated.
I’m not aware that he has formally introduced his “first lady” of of these BVI the people.
May have missed it..no one I have asked or enquired knows alanything about her not even her name. Seems like a necessary “hide it away” as it would reveal much about his damning influence and consistently poor judgments .
Would give much insight into his tainted off the wall decisions.
to
This sounds personal , cause she has been with him on many ocassions. She is not an elected so IMO I perfer first Ladies who are not up and down acting as if someone elected them . They can find a good Charity and do that or if they are a professional continue their career. The worse ones are the power hungry ones that have an overt influence over their husband and all of a sudden they are influencing policy.
How is this concert going to positively influence the youth? HOW??? Pure madness!!!
Vybz Kartel is our measure stick for your positive impact? Well, we just lowered the bar to “Girl Fall Pan Co**ky” The Premier Youth Morality plan in action.
This is the home of his ancedtors.
The Hon Lorna Hodge Creque Smith know exactly why she was fired. And it was not solely about the concert. Rattlers don’t just attack others m; they infight and attact each other..It is alleged that meeting was held in a special village to discuss Vote of No Confidence and if succesful who will serve in what position. Who was at that meeting? Mumb is the word. During slavery days, few revolts were successful, for someone invariably does a B-line to tell Massa. The more things the more they stay the same..Some elected members are mad silly at done other elected members. Here is the bottom line. All of us are about died interest. Here is a news flash. Sometimes a rattler gets crushed before it can attack. Lorna is pretending she does not know why Premier lost faith and confidence in her and can get. One rattler strike, strike, strike… before the other rattler could strike..She got outfoxed in this instance by a more cunning rattler. Take your blows and move on. Flooding the zone with news does not mean you were outfoxed.