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Does Premier Smith really have interest of VI @ heart? Julio S. Henry

- concerned about Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith telling Chinese market that the VI is open for business
Talk show host Julio S. Henry (right) has questioned whether Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (left) has the interest of the territory at heart. Photo: VINO/Provided
Government in the past have said they can no longer protect locals and with Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith looking to draw Chinese investments to the Virgin Islands concerns are being raised as to how local businesses would fare. Photo: VINO/File
Government in the past have said they can no longer protect locals and with Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith looking to draw Chinese investments to the Virgin Islands concerns are being raised as to how local businesses would fare. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The commitment towards the best interest of the Virgin Islands by Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith has come into question by co-host of the Things to Talk radio programme Julio ‘Sam’ Henry.

Speaking on the radio programme on ZBVI 780 AM on Thursday November 3, 2016 Mr Henry said he had to put that concern out to the public.

He pointed out that when Premier Smith travels to a country like China that does not respect human rights, that does not respect the environment, that has the biggest and most powerful protectionism policies in place, and he makes statements such as, “he does not believe in protectionism for the BVI,” Henry stated that this is what he mean and sought to bring it into clearer focus.

He said it is public knowledge that Premier Smith has a private medical practice. “What if Julio Sam Henry becomes the Premier tomorrow and decide to flood this country with doctors’ offices just like his who can do a better job at a cheaper rate than his, you think that’s right?” he asked.

“Remember that this is the same person who wasn’t a politician but got a chance to run this great country, this is the same man that other people trusted when they listened to all that propaganda that he was preaching in the snap election to put them back in office because we are so great and the numbers are looking good, and we put them back in; who said he does not believe in protecting people, in our local business, you, young entrepreneurs who haven’t even born yet who haven’t even gotten a chance …that’s what he’s telling me.”

He argued that the biggest countries like the USA, China have protectionism in place.

Serious question

“I have a serious question, be honest, does the Premier, our Premier Dr. D Orlando Smith, does he really have the BVI interest at heart?” Mr Henry asked.

He said he is aware that this will hurt some because they are going to say how can he ask that question bearing in mind that the Premier is doing all this and all that and he agrees that he is working hard to protect the Financial services to which he partially approves and he is working hard to bring in more high-end tourism in the country because he can see it and is aware, however, the question has to be asked.

23 Responses to “Does Premier Smith really have interest of VI @ heart? Julio S. Henry”

  • pat (06/11/2016, 12:07) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    He does but just read whatever they give him
  • yes (06/11/2016, 12:12) Like (19) Dislike (21) Reply
    Yes he does Sam he is not you bringing down the country with your negatives, people like you could never get my vote Sam.
  • only saying (06/11/2016, 12:47) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    Soon Tortola is going to be called China Town.
  • on the same token (06/11/2016, 14:08) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    He is blocking the sale of rite way as we speak so maybe that is the protectionism that he is referring too?
    • with same token. 4-d Sale. (06/11/2016, 15:50) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
      @on the same token. Smith is not blocking the sale of Rite way. For Smith Alone Rite way will done be sold..The others are the one blocking the sale .. If they just stop and think and ask the people at Rite Way what they want.. 90% is for the sale. If its one thing I learn about NDP. They don't care what the people think..They don't listen, It's all about them and what they think. Just a small percentage who against the sale making alot of noise.. How come a man cannot sell what is his.. What he work so hard to build to who he wants? OMG.. It's Crazy in this place. Why they don't stop the banks from selling BVIsanders Ceased properties to expatriates? It's Crazy in this place. OMG..
    • I'm so Sorry for Haycraft. I feel his pain. (06/11/2016, 16:09) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
      Haycraft so frustrated. He almost die. The polititians almost kill him. He is so disappointed in Locals and dont trust them. He actually give a Filipino the company to Run. Can't blame him for that. He is hurting..
  • thing teh talk (06/11/2016, 15:19) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Them out deh hustling business for the good old boys club.
  • Sam u wrong on this one. (06/11/2016, 15:38) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    We have to follow the money. Or get left behind. Tell me a Caribbean country that isn't looking to China for help? Does that mean they do not care about their country... China is the only country in the world that gave help without dictating.. America giving help they want laws so CIA and FBI and walking anytime and do what they want. England they don't have it...China give help but they don't interfere.. They have a few rules like supplying materials and some skill workers.. Isn't that better than cutting 400 Civil servants that the IMF would ask us to do... U didn't do your home work on this one Sam. China literally actually taking most of Africa out of poverty..
  • Wrong Sam. (06/11/2016, 15:54) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Sam you are wrong. This one of the best move the Government done so far on behalf of its people.. Just imaging we go to the IMF. And is told if we need that loan we have to cut our Civil service in half.
  • About SK. (06/11/2016, 16:00) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    I'm from SK. I can tell you why SK turn to China. Because the IMF demands that SK cut 400 Civil Servants and Dougie decided no way. Keep your Money.. That's how we ended up going China. Every body keeps their jobs we added more jobs and SK on its way up.
    • wize up (06/11/2016, 19:56) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
      @ about SK: thanks because for some folks every idea is a bad idea because they did not come up with it but you will continue to wait year after year and you will never get one idea from those talkers....countries far bigger than BVI have forged economic relationship with China; American is no longer the military superpower it once was: American is no longer the economic superpower it once was: places like India; china; tawian and japan are now major players in global economic affairs.....our major economic pillar is financial services and we all know that has taken a significant hit thanks to the USA: the leader of government business has taken the initiative to explore options so our territory will remain economically viable but some of us are simply bringing a set of talk to the table....
  • See (06/11/2016, 16:07) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    he's a bad joke of a leader
  • lmao (06/11/2016, 16:15) Like (21) Dislike (2) Reply
    Clueless!! Sam, we have BEEN open for business to Asia! Who do you think own most of the 500,000 companies incorporated here at the Companies Registry? The BVI cannot run off foolish emotion so cut the BS. You guys have no clue how the BVI became what it is and always spouting this nonsense. Educate yourself about how your country works and how we are able to be the prosperous nation we are. It didn't come about from sand, sea and coconut water!!
    • wize up (06/11/2016, 20:53) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      @ lmao: and these fools taking their nonsense on public media for the whole world to recognize their level of stupidity( I absolutely love it "from sand, sea and coconut water).....it is my sincere prayer some of these guys on these talk shows will put their brain in gear then put their mouth in motion: these guys can easily google stuff now but still insist in chatting utter nonsense in public forums (the level of stupidity on some of these talk shows is mind blowing especially in days of internet)
  • wize up (06/11/2016, 18:29) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    Some of us talking and talking should run for electoral office; a set of monday morning quarterbacks....all talk and no substance....it will be a breath of fresh air to have a good objective shown on TV/Radio; a show that indentify concerned then offer up viable solutions: we need national builders not a set of guys looking to score cheap social or political points: most of them negative levels of conversation in this territory is done by its own people(we need solutions people)
    • John (06/11/2016, 21:07) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      I'm against you on this one, wize up, people must criticize their government. We cannot just elect them and leave them to their own devices. You are one of the most vocal and the majority of your points are great
      ones but does that mean you should run? Not necessarily, however you have a right to express your views and help keep the managers on the straight and narrow. That is our duty. And the administrators(I hate to use the word politicians because they begin to believe that) are obliged to listen. Mayor Koch of NY used to ask "how am I doing?", he wanted feedback from the people so he can make adjustments accordingly. Criticism is required. We don't have to run for anything, we just have to tell them what we want.
      • wize up (07/11/2016, 06:35) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
        @ john: I am the world biggest critic but while I am being critical on one hand I offer up some suggestions: there is no harm in tell me what I am doing wrong but it will be wonderful to give me guidelines so I can correct my ways...all of us sees life differently because life is just a matter of perspective(some says the glass is half full while some saying the glass half empty)....meet in private and discuss matters and stop airing our dirty laundry in public settings(be of good courage)
  • John (06/11/2016, 19:42) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    The BVI will always be dependent, because they never save or invest any of the money that they bring in. If we were investing over the last 40 years, we would have over $5bln by now. The people that government is listening to want us to be dependent but government can't see that: they are looking for a way out of their financial predicament. How can you be independent if you are always looking for someone to save you and depend on; i.e. begging. Whether its UK or China, at some point they are going to dictate, because our managers don't understand management. Let us not fool ourselves, China also has a history of draconian treatment of their own people and others. So we may be jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Do we think Chinese are not going to demand audits? I don't think so. Let us audit our finances and move on. We cannot move on without that.
  • Political Observer (06/11/2016, 20:59) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    China, no doubt is an emerging economic and world power. The Caribbean( West Indies) has lost or is losing its strategic value. The break up of the USSR and its threat of helping regional countries lessening, the US seems to have have lost interest in the region, creating the opportunity for others such as China to fill the void created. China is taking advantage of the void; it is not showing its interest for nothing. The region is starved for external investment. And China has surplus cash to offer grants or no or low interest loans.

    For those loans, China requires in most cases for countries to buy Chinese material and equipment, employ Chinese workers on projects, and requires relax immigration requirements for Chinese citizens. Further, at the UN and other bodies, China expects support from these countries on votes. Thus, it is imperative that any agreement with China be win-win. The BVI must show strength and patient, not desperation. Be vigilate.


  • whatever you do (07/11/2016, 11:49) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Whatever yo all do....just don't eat the food from China. (just look up gutter oil and other such things and you will see)


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