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Dr Karl Dawson Out! Dr Janet B. Smith In! as new college president

- Dr Dawson forced out before his one year notice; critics cry victimisation & that it smells of politics all over
Dr Karl Dawson (left) has been removed from his post as President of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and has been replaced by long time Board Member and consultant Dr Janet B. Smith. Photo: VINO/File
Sauda Underwood Smith (left) has been named Acting Vice President and Dr Cassander Titley-O’Neal has been named Dean of Arts, Science and General Studies. Photo: Facebook/Provided
Sauda Underwood Smith (left) has been named Acting Vice President and Dr Cassander Titley-O’Neal has been named Dean of Arts, Science and General Studies. Photo: Facebook/Provided
Dr Karl Dawson had spent some 24 years at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in various capacities. Photo: VINO
Dr Karl Dawson had spent some 24 years at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in various capacities. Photo: VINO
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI- Word just reaching our newsroom from our senior National Democratic Party (NDP) sources is that H. Lavity Stoutt Community College President Dr Karl Dawson has been removed from his post as President and has been replaced by long time Board Member and consultant Dr Janet B. Smith.

It remains unclear when the move took place, however, it was announced earlier last month that Dr Dawson’s contract would not be renewed and the Board had given him his one year notice of this. However, sources close to the situation told our newsroom that some in the political and academic class, including the controversial Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn and some Board Members, allegedly wanted him gone as soon as possible.

Many have claimed that Dr Dawson was the victim of political victimisation, having run for political office and opposed the current government.

Out now!

It is also believed that a payout for the year is being negotiated and both parties are in talks on a final figure as an option to leave before the year was “always on the table,” according to a Board Member who spoke this morning to our newsroom.

There have been other shake ups at the only public tertiary educational institution in the VI, with the retirement of Dr Brian Penn, the former Vice President.

It is reported also that Sauda Underwood Smith has been named Acting Vice President and Dr Cassander Titley-O’Neal has been named Dean of Arts, Science and General Studies. Dr O’Neal has been in that post for almost a year.

Dr Dawson, who spent some 24 years at HLSCC in various capacities, had previously told the local media he was not ready to leave the college. He contested unsuccessfully the 2015 snap election as an At Large candidate with the Opposition Virgin Islands Party.

Former President Dawson has already sent out his farewell message to the college faculties and staff, an e-mail obtained by our newsroom.

Is she qualified?

Dr Janet B. Smith, a Virgin Islander, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology from Inter-American University in Puerto Rico; and also studied at the University of Alberta in Canada and Michigan State University in the United States. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling with internship completed at Institute for Crippled and Disabled of Bellevue Hospital in NY; and a doctorate degree in Educational Psychology, with specialties in Educational Measurement and Child Development. Dr Smith, who is now “authorised” to act as President, is in her late 70s.

86 Responses to “Dr Karl Dawson Out! Dr Janet B. Smith In! as new college president”

  • ndp (24/08/2016, 10:18) Like (22) Dislike (11) Reply
    Another VIP bites the dust.
  • PoorKarl (24/08/2016, 10:25) Like (99) Dislike (6) Reply
    Well, sah. Them couldn't let him finish 25 years? Well, the road is now clear. The one ousted may one day be the leader of the Government. Line up your political party and give it a second try.
  • Well Sah (24/08/2016, 10:26) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    Is he one of the unlucky 9 that the governor spoke about?
  • vip (24/08/2016, 10:29) Like (64) Dislike (8) Reply
    Okay now karl time to put on your boxing gloves..The VIP need all the help it can get, time to get the ball rolling, no holds barred.
  • facts man (24/08/2016, 10:32) Like (69) Dislike (13) Reply
    well sah but not to worry Dr. D, you will be the next Minister of Education
  • Dr. Smith (24/08/2016, 10:32) Like (37) Dislike (11) Reply
    why all these smiths? is this a family thing?
    • Smith (24/08/2016, 11:00) Like (16) Dislike (5) Reply
      Will the next Smith be from the Culture dept
      • Another Smith (24/08/2016, 17:01) Like (8) Dislike (9) Reply
        @Dr. Smith

        We vex you? Why you mad though... I'm happy to see a female in a leadership role!
      • The promised people (25/08/2016, 14:46) Like (3) Dislike (8) Reply
        Because the smiths are intelligent people. Who just graduate with ten cxc michelle smith bam bam bam in your backside
        • tash (26/08/2016, 03:36) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
          intelligent? Is that why they're kissing white backside?
        • DBSmith (26/08/2016, 07:18) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
          The lineage of these Smiths have and continues positive contributions in the USVi,PuertoRico,Dominican Republic,Panama,,US.
          Their natural intelligence,thirst for knowledge and education,their keen business sense is renown. Handouts and begging and sitting back is not their forte. Research the archives of these Islands past and present. Nowhere have they not contributed..This family,among others can be cited for these little pots of Jam,the sweet of the sweetest in the Caribbean,the BVI.
    • The Investigator (24/08/2016, 13:20) Like (28) Dislike (5) Reply
      You are right. You can start with the Premier's office. His wife, his cousin the PS etc. BUT, the Governor sees nothing wrong with this unethical behavior.
  • i don't care wha ah man say (24/08/2016, 10:38) Like (55) Dislike (5) Reply
    Myrun had a hand in this but time longer than twine (only 34 more months to be exact).
  • pat (24/08/2016, 10:40) Like (56) Dislike (10) Reply
    this is a big lost for the college but god does not sleep
  • wicked obe (24/08/2016, 10:52) Like (37) Dislike (4) Reply
    Ms P let this but karl will out live her
    • Really (27/08/2016, 12:20) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      Are you God so you can tell who will out live who or do you have our lives in your hands so you decide who dies and when? You do not even know if you are the next one to die in this country. You do not even know if Dr. Smith will out live you. Stop your ignorance! This is not your area! The young dies just as the old. I hope you have not just put a blight on Dr. Dawson. I also hope Dr. Dawson is not the type of person who echoes these types of comments, and that he rejects that comment. I have great respect for him and all his siblings and it has nothing to do with politics,
  • Bam! (24/08/2016, 10:57) Like (27) Dislike (7) Reply

    They need to remove the Head of T.......Some of the staff are suffering...Its only who she wants to prosper will prosper in that place ..the environment has became toxic since she came Director in 2014......not good for the country or NDP.

  • vi (24/08/2016, 11:11) Like (53) Dislike (3) Reply
    Tell me what this old lady can do for our college? Jeezzumbred, man. it didn't have any body younger than Ralphie's age?
    • TrueVI (24/08/2016, 12:52) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
      You are a true Virgin Islander. Jeezzumbred. That's our language. She younger than Ralphie man, so she got a lil bit still left in her, but teen look good.
      • True VI too (24/08/2016, 15:06) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
        I love my Virgin Island people meh boy...the true ones that is..
    • For starters (25/08/2016, 09:33) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      She can continue to keep the ship afloat but publicly and be compensated.
  • wow (24/08/2016, 11:18) Like (60) Dislike (10) Reply
    Why is NDP bringing back these old, decrepit, geriatric people whose time has long passed. Some of them can barely walk and they are very backward in their way of thinking and managing. At least give the positions to younger more progressive persons with fresh ideas who can take the College forward and who doesn't need to be on Medicaid.

    I do not support Smith for this position
    • Who are you? (25/08/2016, 17:43) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      " I do not support Smith for this position"
      You don't? Well ,Jesus Christ ,she is in the position. So what are you going to do about it?
      • wow (25/08/2016, 22:48) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        You sound like a relative...lol.
        Maybe I should say she does not have the support of the people nor the staff at HLSCCwho are already experiencing her lack of managerial and people skills. In addition to good old fashion common sense
        • @SMH (26/08/2016, 09:36) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
          SMH,evidentlyu,within 24 hours u have conducted and completed a scientific survey ,(Tolian style,) of the VI peoples and came to your " good old fashion common sense" logic regarding this appointment.
          I would be curious to know about the people skills assessment,considering her international tenure in the field for 40 years plus and her tenure at HLSCC for at least 10 years ..
          Did she inform HLSCC that they need to come to work or that they need to function to get a pay check? Did she inform them to disconnect their social media interactions during meetings? Oh My gracious me!!
          Well consider that if the staff follows and learns they could be well prepared for the future when a non born here don,t care future President is appointed from a world of academia in the universe of reality.

  • i from here (24/08/2016, 11:21) Like (15) Dislike (14) Reply
    So Karl said he wants out, but it is called forced out ? LMAO!
  • karma (24/08/2016, 11:42) Like (40) Dislike (3) Reply
    the world is round. Don't worry. Karl will live to tell the tails.
  • nurse (24/08/2016, 11:53) Like (29) Dislike (4) Reply

    the country is @#$%^ under the NDP.. they spoiling everybody life.. face it were dead!!!!!

  • quslified (24/08/2016, 12:12) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
    My father in heaven what is really wrong with our Government?
    • OrNot (24/08/2016, 12:48) Like (27) Dislike (2) Reply
      The Government "assumes" that their overwhelming victory at the 2015 polls gave them the mandate to do as they like.
  • watching (24/08/2016, 12:24) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Politics over competence equals ignorance squared . Just more of the same .
  • Supa.... (24/08/2016, 12:30) Like (23) Dislike (21) Reply
    Congratulations Dr. Cassandra Titley-O'neal I know you will do great....
    (Former Class Mate)
    • VG proud (25/08/2016, 16:41) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
      As the story stated. She's already been in the post for a year. Have you heard Sandy's name that she aint doing her work? I mean Cha.... She probably told it to all of you who disliking the statement why all you can do is dislike. Fact of the matter she is a respected environmental consultant in the country, and a Advisor with the honor society at the college who is helping them win all those awards. Think about that and ask yourself what you doing for the college other than collecting a pay check!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • chad (24/08/2016, 12:32) Like (41) Dislike (2) Reply
    They forcing out the young people, forcing nationals to retireat60, 65 and bringing in those over 70. Is the premier putting all his relatives in place before he leaves?
  • belonger (24/08/2016, 12:32) Like (24) Dislike (6) Reply
    Another indigenous Virgin Islander kicked out of office by an Antiguan, could u believe happening in our BVI. Time is longer than twin, what goes around comes around, ninety-nine days to thief and one to catch, don't spit in the key, it will fall in your face. The Premier has allowed his ministers act with impunity victimizing BVIslanders in their own country by foreigners, John Duncan is foreigner believing he is supervisor to BVIslanders, but a day is coming when all of this will END.
    • @belonger (24/08/2016, 17:06) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      For NDP to stop victimizing people and start doing the right things. For a set of so called high class people, they are surely "classless" and despicable in their actions.
    • Writingskills (26/08/2016, 10:33) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Well, sah, people could write piss without logic. "Don't spit in the key, it will fall in your face." What will fall, the key or the spit? Is that possible? It only depends on the position of the key for "it" to fall in your face. In this situation, the key or spit has to be in an above-the-face position for a fall to take place. One or something does not fall from a plain; therefore, it should be clearly stated with logic, "don't spit on a key above your face, the spit may fall back in your face." Writing without ambiguity.
  • foreign (24/08/2016, 13:05) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
    Lord help you all have jokes well sah. Seniors taking the front lead when they should be home on their rocking chair enjoying their retirement What next buddy. This is robbery in high places Lord rescue the perishing.
  • lord o. (24/08/2016, 13:50) Like (14) Dislike (9) Reply
    Women, women, women. Failure, failure, failure. Their is a gender hater some where in a high place..
  • mercy (24/08/2016, 13:55) Like (5) Dislike (15) Reply
    kind-a sad picking up on the basic tenets of these comments. we're upset when outsiders are put in positions such as with the police, corrections, fire and courts for example. now we have what you would think is our hearts desire - a local, and yet we seem dissatisfied. who or what do we really want?
    • @mercy (24/08/2016, 17:20) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
      Note: This message is directed at mercy and not to the blogger belonger.

      "who or what do we really want?"

      For NDP to stop victimizing people and to start doing what's right and fair. For so-called high-class people, they surely are "classless" and despicable in their deeds and actions.
    • @mercy (25/08/2016, 09:55) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
      I really don't know what they want...they are now complaining of older folks being put in positions but just a few days ago Ritter-Freeman was put in a position and that was still another set of complaining and issues. Can't please people and we have to face the fact that a lot of folks around here have the need to release hot air!!!
  • wize up (24/08/2016, 14:26) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    can you say political????
  • BVIslander (24/08/2016, 14:54) Like (27) Dislike (19) Reply
    The college has too many bosses. Dr. Dawson don't worry. At least you was there for 24 years some of them won't be there that long which might be as result of death or dismissal because of the bad mindedness. They refused to work with you instead they work against you to make you look bad as if you never did anything good. I can say you did a great. But Doc. as human beings let us be reminded that everything is only for a time. To HLSCC board of Governors God don't sleep as you all full well know that this is political. There is a lot of favoritism going on at HLSCC. From what I have heard, there are staff members who carry gossip on their fellow coworkers to the administrators, supervisors and even to their favorite Board member(s). Yes, we know that is something that happens in most if not all place of employment. Yes they are the ones who are gets away with not producing any work from day to day, for years and every forth night they collecting a paycheck. Again everything is only for a time people. Because, guess what they have friends in high places so they can't get fired. Dr. Dawson you shall live and you will also be forever successful in whatever you do just keep praying. I am not wishing bad on the institution. I am just saying we need to stop the wrongs we are doing to one another, people. Let us be mindful that we are only here on this earth for a time. Some might be here longer than others, but it doesn't matter the period of time, what matters is living right in God's eyes. Board members, Administrators, Faculty and staff, please get together and formed a prayer group where you all can meet whether once or twice a week and pray for the uplifting of that institution so that it will not get any worse than it is, as there has been soo many thing being mentioned about your institution and the minister of which it is under.
  • Problems (24/08/2016, 15:02) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    I don't understand why these seniors don't take a back seat and allow some fresh blood take over. You youngsters who have your degrees, get away from this backward place. Give your service somewhere else. It is obvious, Alfa male and Doc don't want the young adults to get a chance.
  • old (24/08/2016, 15:50) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    Ndp will kill that old lady in that college y we vote for ndp .y Karl born Here that ndp party is no good party all for there Friend ..,.
  • ccc (24/08/2016, 16:04) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    Poor locals this is sad
  • mildred (24/08/2016, 18:55) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    lord that is a senior citizen up there is not for her qualifications does not match up
  • Thing to talk (24/08/2016, 19:01) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    The VP is clueless but kissing a## get her that position. She need to go earn a real PhD. Time will tell. ..
  • what a mess (24/08/2016, 19:04) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    call a by election
  • Sister Joyce (24/08/2016, 19:11) Like (26) Dislike (13) Reply
    Hush and take you all licks you voted NDP
  • voter (24/08/2016, 20:32) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    Out with the young and in with the old. Hopefully she still got some juice in her cane
  • Belwin (24/08/2016, 21:41) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ndp Is a rat race party Big time
  • forgetting who in charge (24/08/2016, 21:50) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    God has the final say. This is sad sad sad.
    Very disturbing. It appeares that these people dont think God exist.
  • Regards (24/08/2016, 21:59) Like (13) Dislike (10) Reply
    Dr. Janet Smith played an instrumental role throughout the college's history from it's establishment in to it's recent accreditation. She's also a daughter of the soil. So before you cry foul about her age and ability, thank her for her on-going contributions to the community and her willingness to continue working on our behalf.
    • @Regards (25/08/2016, 09:47) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
      That is not the point; NDP causing bottle-neck at the top, recycling retirees, and pressure will eventually break glass.
    • wize up (25/08/2016, 10:30) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ regards: good point but when can the young educated people of the territory get an opportunity(I will await your response)
  • old (24/08/2016, 22:07) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    ndp leader can not see on is right side
  • micky mouse (24/08/2016, 22:58) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    Everything going on in that college is political motivated.
  • Jackson (24/08/2016, 23:18) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    KEEP HOPE ALIVE KARL
  • RIP Mr. Stoutt (25/08/2016, 03:33) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Our former Chief Minister must be turning around in his grave to see what the institution he left in place have come too. Mr. Stoutt was a humble man. He did not believe in victimization he believe in working for his country. He might not have had a law degree, a PHD or any kind of degrees. Once thing I could tell you he listened to his people. He did right by his people. Everything in our little island is political. It is destroying the moral of this little nation. It should not matter which party a person is affiliated with, what matters if the person can do a great job to make the entire country look good. Instead we have one person destroying everything in our country. The Board of Directors should be ashamed of themselves. Dr. Janet Smith should be allowed to enjoy her retirement. I guess she would be a another "YES" person to the Minister.
  • U press a fuc##ng button (25/08/2016, 07:14) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply

    Myrun karl DAWSON IS A #$%&g son of the soil what the hell u doing...............

    • Factsfirst (31/08/2016, 09:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      A lot of people here blogging about what they don't know. When the Board wanted to fire Carl, Walwyn begged them not to do this thing. Stop talking piss if you don't know about piddle. Ask Lady I what she know about this.
  • Anyone forming another Party (25/08/2016, 08:00) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Do we have any serious persons forming a strong political party. This is the time for those people to make their presence known. Do not wait until the political year to start talking. Start doing thing for the young people and the people of this territory NOW. We want to be ready to serve, to be humble and not to be vindictive. We need transparency in our elected official. The next time I blog I would come up with a number of names for a party for the people.
  • Poor BVI (25/08/2016, 09:08) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Seems like NDP government loves the Geriatric people in position along with the YES people who they can get to do their biddings !!!!
  • wize up (25/08/2016, 10:34) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    brother dawson, consider continuing the political path: the territory need a fresh spin on the development; find 13 well educated people and form a party:
  • bvi (25/08/2016, 10:36) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    THE MANDATORY RETIREMENT AGE IN THE BVI IS 65, WHAT'S HERS?
  • Queen Mary (25/08/2016, 10:45) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
    Dr Smith is one of the staunch founding fathers of the College.and amid much disapproval from the BVi community about its inception.She has worked to have it accredited. Always and behind the scene she has been a guiding tireless force. Stepping into the void left by Dr Dawson and for a period of nine months,is a saving grace. Hopefully the next president will be a neutral from another land . Hopefully he/she will instill that College is not a High School and that free tuition,the brainchild of another caring Smith,will be abolished. The negros of the BVI need to be awakened and be told what time it is.
    Best Wishes to Dr Smith and may the spirit of your ancestors continue their Divine guidance to you and to the VI.
    • @Queen Mary (25/08/2016, 17:25) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      " The negro's of the BVI needs to be awakened and be told what time it is"

      Couldn't,t have said it better myself.
  • Chance (25/08/2016, 11:04) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let us hope the lord allow her a full year in that position. God don't sleep.
  • Zien El Habden (25/08/2016, 13:34) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Isn't he guy hill cousin . Hmm.
  • Advisor (25/08/2016, 19:31) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I see this good Lady asuohpl an advisor or consultant to the HLSCC not in top position. Why is it our other youngsters can't get a chance. Man we can do a lot better. We bring in consultants for this and that and now a retired servant in key position something really wrong with our heads. Is this the picture we reall want to portray? She is a great lady but geese Mr. Minister come better than this.
  • foxy (25/08/2016, 23:56) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    there are no winners in this.
  • ... (26/08/2016, 12:23) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Eat your heart out all you fighting for positions and don't know your belly from your backside.


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