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Dawn J. Smith appointed VI Attorney General

Indigenous Virgin Islander, Ms Dawn J. Smith has been appointed to the seat of Attorney General in the Virgin Islands (VI), effective October 1, 2020. Photo: Facebook
Ms Smith’s appointment effective replaces Baba F. Aziz who served as Attorney General from 2010 to 2011 and again from 2015 to the present with his appointment ending September 30, 2020. Photo: GIS/File
Ms Smith’s appointment effective replaces Baba F. Aziz who served as Attorney General from 2010 to 2011 and again from 2015 to the present with his appointment ending September 30, 2020. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Indigenous Virgin Islander, Ms Dawn J. Smith has been appointed to the seat of Attorney General in the Virgin Islands (VI), effective October 1, 2020.

The announcement was made on Friday, September 18, 2020, following the approval of H.E. Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert in accordance with section 95(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC).

Principal legal advisor to Gov’t

On May 15, 2020, Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) first and accurately reported that Ms Smith was selected to fill the post from sources familiar with the matter.

Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) had announced on the same day, that a Virgin Islander had been selected for the post to serve as principal legal advisor to the Government as established by the Constitution, and has the overall responsibility for all aspects of civil litigation.

Ms Smith will also serve as a Member of Cabinet providing legal advice as may be necessary in its decision-making process. As an Ex-Officio Member of the House of Assembly (HoA), she will pilot Bills and render advice on legal issues arising with respect to the proceedings of the House and other related matters.

Ms Smith’s appointment effective replaces Baba F. Aziz who served as Attorney General from 2010 to 2011 and again from 2015 to the present with his appointment ending September 30, 2020.

Background & professional experience 

Ms Smith, a Virgin Islander and Attorney, is a former Director of Legal and Enforcement Division of the Financial Services Commission and a Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office.

She was admitted as a Barrister of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (Virgin Islands) and holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts (Cum Laude) from Middlebury College - Vermont, USA, a Bachelor of Laws (Upper Second Class Honours) from the University of the West Indies - Cave Hill Campus, Barbados and a Certificate of Legal Education from the Norman Manley Law School – Kingston, Jamaica.

Ms Smith, the sister of former Financial Secretary, Mr Neil M. Smith, is also a member of the BVI Bar Association, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is a founding member of the BVI Chapter of the Caribbean Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

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).

41 Responses to “Dawn J. Smith appointed VI Attorney General”

  • The TRUTH (19/09/2020, 10:22) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    BVI first.
  • attorney (19/09/2020, 10:43) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    KEEP CLAUDE SKELTON CLYNE AT BAY PUT A MUZZLE ON HIS MOUTH ENGLAND WATCHING AND HEARING Very good pick
    • I would second that (19/09/2020, 15:33) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Attorney, I agree, keep the culprit from the pulpit at bay. Congratulations my Dear.
  • D B Smiths' (19/09/2020, 11:08) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    The ancestors are pleased.
    Congratulations! Gena and Bennet too.
    • @D B Smith (20/09/2020, 04:50) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Actually they are scatching their heads in confusion. They too were Africans. One proud African woman is just taking over the wheel from another African
      • @@D B Smith (21/09/2020, 20:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Keep in mind or perhaps ,be advised that not all of the ancestors of VIslanders were omly Africans. As is the case of of the appointed, Atty Smith. Many families of prominence in the VI have ancestors that are Caucasians.



        rs that were Caucasians and were not slave owners.
  • born here (19/09/2020, 11:43) Like (6) Dislike (24) Reply
    Finally they get rid of that African
    • Trying (19/09/2020, 12:44) Like (37) Dislike (4) Reply
      That African gave the BVI years if service. Nasty racist comment
      • @ trying (19/09/2020, 14:42) Like (16) Dislike (10) Reply
        If it is a black person who blog they cannot be racist only whites can be racist and that is an undisputed truth
        • Forbidden Truth (19/09/2020, 21:54) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
          Utter nonsense. You have black and white opressors, apathied dividers and rulers.
          • @ Forbidden Truth (20/09/2020, 06:20) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
            But blacks can never be racist and that’s a universal accepted fact, so go look at the definition of racism
            • Definition (20/09/2020, 11:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
              Definition of racism:
              "Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized."

              There is no mention of colour or race in the definition. Who are the minorities on these islands?
              • @ definition (21/09/2020, 06:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
                Racism is about exploitation and economic power over another group and whites throughout history have done that so go sit down with your oppressors definition
              • Norris Turnbull (22/09/2020, 18:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
                It says member of a particular race. If you mention race you cannot avoid the color scheme of things. Readoning is fundamental.
            • Forbidden Truth (20/09/2020, 20:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
              @@Forbidden Truth.. I don't have to look up shit when the actions of some a clear.
            • Forbidden Truth (22/09/2020, 23:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
              You can accept what you want. I never said blacks can never be racist. Go back and read my post num nuts.
      • no increment (19/09/2020, 19:19) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
        but how did the African treated the locals there especially the s general..not going to talk all
    • @Investigate (20/09/2020, 04:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Our fore fathers were Africans. We are seeking reparations and an apology from white slave owners because of what they did to them right? Think!
  • lk (19/09/2020, 13:18) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
    Set of ungrateful set of people.
  • long look me come from (19/09/2020, 14:43) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    So good to see our own in the house of the people all we want in there is indigenous bvislanders
  • Hmmmmm (19/09/2020, 15:37) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply

    There are some people that can walk the talk and there are others that talk but can’t walk. It’s who know, know
  • T (19/09/2020, 16:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is it said , God don't like U.......? Is it true , as long you're a black Man your African.?
  • LAW FIRM (19/09/2020, 17:25) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Congraluyion Dawn Keep doing the good work you do remain honest and serve with integrety God is on your side. I am so glad that the old Griniee theeth man going. He was working for the NDP all the time and you see how NDP turn out he could not play such games with andre. Azzi was a NDP mop and tgat is wht some of the things went wrong but also on te other hand he was telling NDO to do the right thing but they would not listen. Over all he is a good person but he had to NDP biddings ONLY wHO KNOw KNOW let hi go back to his country and open business there Thank God a VILander is in the post. Tge work that NDP dp pr didnot dp is coming home to roost you will hear and see more The Belley Band has drop down the waist string fot slack
  • right (19/09/2020, 17:50) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dancia 2.0
    • @ Right (19/09/2020, 19:20) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      hater get from here because you applied and no body wanted you she will do well, she is one of us go from here
  • musa (19/09/2020, 19:04) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great news about time wish you well honored lady
    .
  • one eye (19/09/2020, 19:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    BIG UPs GIRLFRINED THAT A BIG WORK
  • Big qualifications (19/09/2020, 20:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    And the simplest things they don't see.
  • guy hill (19/09/2020, 21:58) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations. Always continue to do your very best. Be brave.
  • Yes (20/09/2020, 06:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am so happy for this next up is the police chief we need to localized again
  • SGE (20/09/2020, 10:05) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Best wishes to Mr. Ariz. He served the BVI with distinction never compromising his ethical beliefs. Congratulations Ms. Smith, I know you will do your best as a BVISLANDER to make you family and the rest of us proud.
  • ,?? (20/09/2020, 18:04) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Best wishes coming from a traditional Virgin Islander to you Mr. Aziz and for the good services you have rendered to these Virgin Islands and may Jehovah richly bless you and your family as you move on. As long as you did your work with integrity, that is all that matters in the end.
  • ?? (20/09/2020, 18:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations Dawn on this monumental achievement in this time of these Virgin Islands history. Do a good job with integrity as everyone will be looking and I know that you will do it. Coming from a sister of the soil in D7.

    Now that you are considered a traditional Virgin Islander, of high integrity and patriotism, I beg of you to encourage the Honourable Premier to find the un-redacted version of the report with the wishes of the traditional Virgin Islanders at community meetings that never made it into the 2007 VI Constitution. Please ask the Commissioners on that committee to render copies if they are not found in the archives. It should not be that a copy mysteriously appear at a speed bump. If the Premier is asking the voters to consider independence, then the voters have a right to that report. We, the voters, are demanding that UN-REDACTED REPORT TO BE MADE PUBLIC NOW !
  • when last (21/09/2020, 04:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    almost 100 years we had no home grown person in such a sensertive post in the future development of the territory: its been a few years since Ms Penn held that position followed a set of others>run talk dat<
  • i from here (21/09/2020, 06:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I want to see all locals in these post by time the vip 4 years we have the people here
  • conflict (21/09/2020, 08:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Interesting to note she is the sister of Neil Smith given his involvement in the BVI Airways fiasco. Presumably she will recuse herself from advising on any potential criminal charges that may need to be bought from that investigation, or are we to take it that that particular fraud on taxpayers will now be swept under the carpet?

  • Farewell (21/09/2020, 11:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Aziz thank you for your years of service and dedication to the Government of the Virgin Islands. You are very capable and able and you have proven your capabilities during your time in office. It is very difficult to run an office like AGC especially where you do not have the support that is needed. Ms. Smith congratulations on your appointment and I hope that you receive the support that you need for the success of that office and the BVI on a whole. I have not been impressed by you in the past but I hope that that changes with this new role. The difference is that this role has a bigger impact on the success of the Virgin Islands that your previous role did. Good luck!
  • T (21/09/2020, 12:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Attorney Dawn Smith Walk on with character, integrity, and hope in your heart. May God bless you! Congratulation
  • certificate (22/09/2020, 20:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    everytime someone is appointed to a position,we hear about all the certificate they have on the wall measuring 6x6x6x6,and when is time to use basic commonsense they cannot make a proper decision on the law.
  • Marcus (22/09/2020, 23:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dawn need to gix up her wardrobe and hair. You are the Attorney General.


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