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Lorna Smith to end Hong Kong stint in next few weeks – Premier Smith

There are just a few weeks remaining before interim Director of the BVI Hong Kong Office, Mrs Lorna Smith, is expected to complete her assignment after being tasked with the setting up and preliminary running of the Office. Photo: GIS
Premier Smith (centre) poses with his wife, Mrs Lorna Smith, during the opening of the BVI Hong Kong Office. Photo: GIS
Premier Smith (centre) poses with his wife, Mrs Lorna Smith, during the opening of the BVI Hong Kong Office. Photo: GIS
Controversy erupted recently when the Premier took to the local airwaves recently and expressed disappointment with the headlines of several news outlets following his revelations that, his wife, Mrs Smith would be heading the Hong Kong Office of the Territory as the interim Director. Photo: VINO
Controversy erupted recently when the Premier took to the local airwaves recently and expressed disappointment with the headlines of several news outlets following his revelations that, his wife, Mrs Smith would be heading the Hong Kong Office of the Territory as the interim Director. Photo: VINO
The Premier described the Hong Kong Office as an indispensable component to the future growth of financial services from Asia. Photo: VINO
The Premier described the Hong Kong Office as an indispensable component to the future growth of financial services from Asia. Photo: VINO
The BVI Hong Kong Office. Photo: GIS
The BVI Hong Kong Office. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – There are just a few weeks remaining before interim Director of the BVI Hong Kong Office, Mrs Lorna Smith, is expected to complete her assignment after being tasked with the setting up and preliminary running of the Office.

This was revealed by Premier, Dr the Hon. D. Orlando Smith during a press briefing held with members of the media yesterday, September 18, 2013 in the conference room of Premier's Office.

“The reality is that Mrs Smith was appointed about three months ago, back in May, to set up the [Hong Kong] Office, and expects to be leaving there within the next several weeks.” Dr Smith said, “By that time she would have completed the assignment.”

Controversy erupted recently when the Premier took to the local airwaves recently and expressed disappointment with the headlines of several news outlets following his revelations that, his wife, Mrs Smith would be heading the Hong Kong Office of the Territory as the interim Director.

The news sites in question were the pro-government entity BVI Platinum News and BVI News.

Premier Smith further disclosed at the press briefing that, in the meanwhile, discussions are being held with other qualified "BVIslanders" with regard to the post and one of them will be expected to take up the post of Director.

When asked how many persons were shortlisted for the post currently, Dr Smith said, “We are looking at about three persons, I won’t be able to tell you who the persons are.”

The Premier described the Hong Kong Office as an indispensable component to the future growth of financial services from Asia.

“By any measure, the Asia Pacific Region represents the future.” Dr Smith said, “From its vibrancy, economic strength, population size, the expansion of wealth, the continued growth of its middle class to the size and strength of its global market for consumer goods, be they manufactured goods, financial services or tourism, Asia represents economic opportunity.”

Dr Smith said he looked forward to building the VI’s sterling reputation in the area and to deepening and broadening product offerings in the key area of financial services.

He added that it is Government’s intention to expand the VI’s presence in the near term to include its tourism product for which he is confident there is a ready market.

According to the Premier, “Beyond these two key areas of service, Asia holds considerable investment potential for the BVI in the areas of tourism and real estate development. This was confirmed from my various discussions with current investors and those already doing business with the BVI.”

43 Responses to “Lorna Smith to end Hong Kong stint in next few weeks – Premier Smith”

  • ta ta (19/09/2013, 08:29) Like (20) Dislike (4) Reply
    dem glasess got to go!
  • qc (19/09/2013, 08:34) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    ...NDP need to change their name to...nepotism deals.
  • Coren (19/09/2013, 08:36) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Ok so I give the Premier credit he got we message that this appointment was wrong and unethical…let the good lady retire and go in peace give someone else a change
    • bye bye bye (19/09/2013, 21:01) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      yea she just like Uncle does not now when to go!!!
    • Hmmm* (20/09/2013, 11:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Idiot she was not meant to stay, she was there to get it up and running...my goodness I swear they don't let ppl post on this site unless their IQ is a negative number
  • WHY? (19/09/2013, 08:51) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    I have no issue with the First Lady, but why does she wear those ridiculous red glasses?? Maybe its fashion..
  • ccc (19/09/2013, 09:00) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    No accountability, no transparency, no checks or balances, the list goes on.

    Dat wha ya get.

  • Let's trade (19/09/2013, 09:15) Like (2) Dislike (27) Reply
    We will gladly give you Michelle Obama in trade for Lorna Smith. At least Mrs Smith is a capable business woman who works for her money. 1 of Michelle's vaca's will cripple the BVI economy.
  • glen the miller (19/09/2013, 09:15) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    She will be retired for the umteen time.
  • fashion police (19/09/2013, 09:18) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    oh my god! She looks like that weirdo elton john with those rediculous red (mad styled) glasses.
    • Are you Crazy? (19/09/2013, 10:41) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
      Her glasses are just fine. What is your problem? Do you follow the fashion trends?
      • @ fashion police (19/09/2013, 12:11) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
        Lets raise the level of the debate please folks?
      • say what (19/09/2013, 14:15) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Must every trend be followed? Particularly by First Lady?
        • @Say What (19/09/2013, 14:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Get a Life! She had those glasses long before she was the First Lady. Because she is the First Lady she must now throw them away?
  • ooooo (19/09/2013, 09:28) Like (14) Dislike (22) Reply
    this is the first leader in bvi history to hire his wife....talk bout conflict of interests?
  • . (19/09/2013, 09:35) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    She need to take a rest because she is looking tired and weary.
    • Whitney (19/09/2013, 11:44) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      Somehow she is reminding me of Whitney Houston during her more troubled days..
  • Process (19/09/2013, 12:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why isn't there an application process available for the wider public to pursue?
  • shelia (19/09/2013, 12:29) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    We have two roads ahead. One way is the beginning of a new chapter in standards and ethics. The other way is the well trodden road of spin doctors and cover ups.

    I already know which road the this government will take.
  • Str8Nose (19/09/2013, 12:47) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Check the Doc with is "gangster lean"
  • SAD! (19/09/2013, 14:37) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Our people are so sad! Really? We are now on the woman glasses? Nothing else to discuss? SAD! We really need to imancipate ourselves from this level of thinking. What about the good that she has done in successfully opening not 1 but 2 Overseas Offices. Let's just stick to that and forget about tearing down the woman.
  • Knight Rider (19/09/2013, 16:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It hurts!
    God created this lady in his own image and likeness.She is a human being created by god like all other human beings and she recognized under the V.I Constitution as a citizen of Her Majesty,who belong to the Virgin Islands, and the lady made a decision to serve her country in the capacity which she chose.She has served her country since in times of His most excellency-Hon.H. Lavity Stoutt.
    How many of us know if we are ill or sick inside/internally and may be dying of an unknown sickness or illness or disease?While Vino is a democratic news site and every one is allowed to express themselves in a blog,in the free and democratic territory of Her Majesty's B.V.I,I personally would not enjoy a good night-rest,if I chose to blog on this democratic news site,and to ridicule a person for their looks and appearances.It only takes one tragic accident and your "nice-looks" can be altered for the rest of your life.Why don't we all as a people pray for this lady and call on god to give her long-life and strength,to allow her to continue serving Her Majesty and the people of the V.I..I will use this precious moment of life to call on god to bless this lady and I expect the good blessings of god to be returned to me.Thank you madam smith,for your good service to Her Majesty and the good people of the B.V.I..May the lord continue to guide and protect the loving and wonderful people of the B.V.I.
  • Nay cay (19/09/2013, 16:34) Like (2) Dislike (13) Reply
    Me ain't care what ah man say me love dem glasses
  • small minded people. (19/09/2013, 20:01) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mrs Smith you look good don't know you like that we are not friends, but I trust that you smart enough to dont mind the haters you look nice beautiful in style and sexy...these people does act like they don't travel and see other things.there is a lot of life out there people get one and stop hating on Mrs. Smith at the end of the day she's a genius and looks good!
  • @ Nay cay (19/09/2013, 21:04) Like (0) Dislike (13) Reply
    you an lorna alone
  • tola (19/09/2013, 22:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why ayou throwing the indigenous name under the bus tell me these comment are from Island People...
  • bb (20/09/2013, 11:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope dr smith learn from his mistake
  • political fever (20/09/2013, 11:59) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is nepertisam in its fullest array. it must stop, and come next election IT WILL.
  • polo (20/09/2013, 15:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I do not think that Mr Smith fully comprehends the severity of his actions
  • misleading (21/09/2013, 08:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let's not be hasty lads. It's only been 2 years. The NDP will surely come good if only we give them a little more time.

    And National Parks Trust and Hospital will finally make a profit.

    And pigs will fly.

  • retired (22/09/2013, 13:23) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    People must know when their time is up and leave the scene with grace
  • Christopher Garvin Shears (12/02/2015, 15:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I like the glasses: but people want change. God bless you!


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