VIP considering Smith, Fraser membership?

Talk show host Claude Skelton Cline has revealed that the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) executive is exploring the possibility of extending membership to Junior Minister Lorna Smith and Deputy Premier Julian Fraser.

“I understand that the matter of At-Large member Smith and District Rep Fraser officially joining the party was raised at a recent VIP meeting, and I understand that the leadership said they are working on it,” Skelton Cline stated.

However, while VIP members appear willing to consider expanding the party to include the two newest members of the government, Skelton Cline cautioned the party leadership to move carefully.

“I just want to tell the VIP leadership — you better proceed as if you only have the six [government members] that you came out of the April 2023 elections with. Anything else is up for grabs,” the outspoken talk show host warned.

Smith ran as an independent candidate during the 2023 general elections and later aligned herself with the National Democratic Party (NDP) before the campaign season concluded.

However, immediately following the elections, Smith broke ranks with the NDP and joined forces with Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley’s administration to form a coalition government. While she has not publicly detailed her reasons for switching sides, the financial services expert has maintained that her focus is on serving in positions that allow her to contribute meaningfully to the territory’s progress.

Fraser, who currently leads the Progressive United Party (PU), was previously a vocal member of the Opposition. He later crossed the floor to join the Wheatley-led administration, where he now serves as Minister for the Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change.