‘No intentions of resigning’- Premier Smith
The swearing in ceremony was held at the Central Administration Complex on Wickham’s Cay I.
No shifting of Ministers
Noting that it is traditional that changes in the administration be announced at events as of yesterday, Premier Smith said there would be no changes to the ministerial architecture as the ministers will retain their assigned portfolios. He, however, announced that there will be some assignments put under the caps of some elected representatives.
“I will be reviewing some subject areas to see how these might be made more efficient. In that regard I am happy to announce that as a priority I would be assigning certain responsibilities to some elected representatives,” as he noted that his intentions were already communicated to His Excellency the Governor, John S. Duncan.
Elected representatives in the National Democratic Party (NDP) team without a ministerial portfolio are Hons Archibald C. Christian, Dr Hubert O’Neal, Marlon A. Penn, Alvera Maduro Caines, Delores Christopher and Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull.
I will be in that office for the next four years
Sharing what he considered a joke while dishing out the real facts, Premier Smith said he has no intentions of resigning his position as Premier of this territory as he will be in office for the next four year.
This statement followed an early morning call he said he had received yesterday from someone who indicated that it was being rumoured that he was resigning. “I intend, with God’s help, to occupy that office upstairs for the next four years serving the people of this country who have elected me to do so,” he said emphatically.
Words to unsuccessful candidates
In expressing his congratulations to the elected legislators, Premier Smith said they all worked very hard and sacrificed much for their individual victory. He said to those who were not successful, especially the first time candidates, “I commend you on your strength, fortitude and most of all your offering yourselves to serve the people of this territory.”
He said the success at the June 8, 2015 polls was not only an NDP success but rather that of the people. “It also represents your triumph and your faith and trust in the National Democratic Party’s team to act in the best interest of this country. Indeed it is the triumph of each and every one of you in this territory.”
Embracing man, woman & child
Premier Smith declared, “This triumph would embrace every man, woman and child in this territory. We will continue to work in the best interest of every single BVIslander, every resident, and every visitor. You have given us a clear mandate and we are overwhelmed to return to the House to do so and therefore I pledge to work only in the interest of the British Virgin Islands to foster progress and prosperity for all of our people.”
To follow through with set goals as laid out in their 2015 manifesto, Premier Smith said their goals at this stage are to continue on initiatives started while working on new ones. He stressed that the NDP government is committed to working with the entire territory to improve all sectors of the economy, including the sister islands of Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda.
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18 Responses to “‘No intentions of resigning’- Premier Smith”
O'Neal assist with healthcare, especially seniors and less able bodied facilities and programs
Mitch assist with Youth related subjects (not education, but more sports and social)
Deloris assist with Education - but maybe more in a special project such as new schooling requirements for the next 20 years
Alvera - assist with consumer affairs, including price control, customs tariffs, sell by date legislation etc
Marlon - telecommunications
Appointing people to the Immigration Board to give out status left right and center and there are people who are here longer than some. Padding up the 9th and 7th district and decreasing the 1st. Governor put a new Supervisor of election in place.