Elections gimmick talks are foolish- Premier Smith
He also downplayed talk that the recent approving of land for residents and last minute road works are election gimmicks, saying they were "foolish" talks by naysayers.
The Premier once again made the cry that the former government, the Virgin Islands Party, had left the country broke and it was his government that had to restore the territory's finances even though he stayed away from bringing actual figures to prove his case, and has failed to do so in the House of Assembly also.
“We must build on the successes of past leaders and with each successive generation improve our infrastructure, grow our economy, protest our environment and raise our standard of living and quality of life. This means hard work and determined vigilance on our part and it sometimes means taking tough decisions that will pay dividends in the future especially when those decisions may not be popular initially,” he said.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my Government has demonstrated that we are able to manage your affairs. We believe that we are your best hope for the future prosperity, stability and best hope for the BVI,” he said.
A fallen economy
Premier Smith, in his lengthy speech that sought to glorify his party ahead of general electons, said that three and a half years ago his Government was elected and it met an economy which was in a fallen state and which the NDP was able to put on a successful path of growth and prosperity. “I am grateful to you for your confidence in us. We have moved beyond those dark days.”
He acknowledged that there are those among us who are experiencing homelessness and to this the Government must never turn a blind eye. “We will continues to do all that is in our power to take people off the streets and place them in homes,” he said.
Building national pride
Premier Smith noted that his Government is determined to improve not just health care but also to make steps in improving culture and education programmes for young people while at the same time building national pride and not forgetting the nation’s history.
In saying this, Premier Smith said that it was his party just months after taking Government in 2011 that set out to create the national dress and territorial song.
“It is fair to say that the progress that we have made in education over the years mirror the progress we have made in the wider economy. Ladies and gentleman, much has been accomplished,” he said.
He spoke of the steps made in terms of the technical school and the job fairs that the Government has hosted in partnership with the private sector. He said too that in three short years his Government has made excellent progress in the field of sports.
Turning to fisheries and agriculture, the NDP boss said Government is doing its best to upgrade facilities where possible. He said the greenhouse will commence production in the last quarter of 2015.
Ignore the foolish talk
Premier Smith spoke of Government’s allocation of house lots in Virgin Gorda. “I urge you, the newest land recipients, to ignore the foolish talk of the naysayers who can only see my Government’s hard work as an elections gimmick. Yet another childish attempt to criticise this Government for helping the people to improve their livelihood,” he argued.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
26 Responses to “Elections gimmick talks are foolish- Premier Smith”
One thing we do understand that is why the House was dissolved so sudden. Pleading with us will not work this time around. At least all of you have promising careers, good luck with them.
I spoke to a number of people yesterday who received belongers status and they have informed me that, they received telephone calls from a certain Dr informing them to up lift their belongers card at the premier office, and when the arrive the certain Dr is giving out these belongers card to the people and asking them to vote for the NDP because of the favor he has given them. Let me set the record straight this is down right low and disgraceful, these people are not been granted a favor by the NDP government, these people came to this country and pay their dues, they made their contribution to the development of this country hence their belonger card is as of right not a favor, these people has attain the rights like every other bvi lander to vote for a party of their choice who they believe would take the bvi in the right direction, it make no sense having a belonger card and can't enjoy a good quality of life in the bvi after working so hard and making sacrifice for the development of this nation, you have earn the right to choose and you must choose wisely because your decision would affect your future and your children future for years to come. I am not telling you how to vote but I am advising you not be co-horse by a certain Dr and the NDP to vote for them because of some favor you received, its not a favor, its your rights. Vote wisely, vote for progress, vote for change, vote for security and prosperity of the bvi.
Politicians, regardless of party affiliation, be statesman/stateswoman/ stately -like.
Am afraid to say but the good Doc have lost his credibility. When you can set about to l*e publicly to cover up the actions of some corrupted minister, then it speaks volume about you as a leader