While delivering his address to the territory yesterday June 10, 2015 at the official swearing in ceremony of the Premier and Ministers of Government, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith announced that there would be added duties for elected officials who are not ministers. Premier Smith also dispelled reports that he has intentions to resign from office during this term. Photo: VINO
Sworn back into office with their same portfolios are Honourables Myron V. Walwyn, Minister for Education and Culture; Mark H. Vanterpool, Minister for Communications and Works; Ronnie W. Skelton, Minister for Health and Social Development; Dr Kedrick D Pickering, Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, all seen here with Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith. Photo: VINO
Ms Fifth Form Mya Brown sings the National Anthem at the swearing in ceremony on June 10, 2015. Photo: VINO
Chief Executive Officer of the BVI Health Services Authority Ms Darlene Carty-Baptiste (R) was among those present at the swearing in ceremony. Photo: VINO
Wives of Government leaders at the swearing in ceremony on June 10, 2015. Photo: VINO
Singing the Territorial song were students of the Robinson O'Neal Memorial Primary School. Photo: VINO
Re-elected legislators. From left: Honourables Alvera Maduro-Caines, Delores Christopher and Marlon A. Penn. Photo: VINO
Among the audience were members of the judicial system, including Justice Nichola Byer and Justice Vicki Ann Ellis. Photo: VINO
Section of the audience. Photo: VINO
Section of the audience. Photo: VINO
Section of the audience. Photo: VINO
Honourable Archibald C. Christian being greeted. Photo: VINO
Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith and Virgin Islands Party Chairman Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) show camaraderie at the swearing-in ceremony. Photo: VINO
Hon Julian Fraser, RA and Hon Mark H. Vanterpool at the swearing-in ceremony. Photo: VINO
The Turnbull family. Photo: VINO
Mr Albert O. Wheatley and Hon Delores Christopher. Photo: VINO
Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines having a light moment. Photo: VINO
First Lady Mrs Lorna G. Smith, OBE and Gerard St. C. Farrara QC. Photo: VINO
Premier Smith and the newcomer to the team of legislators, Hon Melvin 'Mitch' Turnbull. Photo: VINO
Mr Vance Lewis and Hon Andrew A. Fahie. Photo: VINO
Hon Andrew Fahie and Hon Melvin 'Mitch' Turnbull. Photo: VINO
Showing camaraderie. Senior Virgin Islands Party member Hon Andrew A. Fahie greets Premier Dr The Hon D Orlando Smith. Photo: VINO
Deputy Governor V. Inez Archibald embraces Hon Myron V. Walwyn. Photo: VINO
Hon Mark H. Vanterpool and Hon Andrew A. Fahie. Photo: VINO
First Couple! Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith and wife Lorna G. Smith OBE. Photo: VINO
Hon Andrew A. Fahie and Hon Myron V. Walwyn. Photo: VINO
Flanked by two legislators is Ms Ayana S. Hull. Photo: VINO
Scene of the swearing in ceremony June 10, 2015. Photo: VINO
JoAnn 'Roxie' Romney shares a light moment at the swearing in ceremony on June 10, 2015. Photo: VINO
Kevin C. 'OJ' Smith (right) at the swearing in ceremony on June 10, 2015. Photo: VINO
Scene of the swearing in ceremony June 10, 2015. Photo: VINO
Scene of the swearing in ceremony June 10, 2015. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – While delivering his address to the territory yesterday June 10, 2015 at the official swearing in ceremony of the Premier and Ministers of Government, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith announced that there would be added duties for elected officials who are not ministers. Premier Smith also dispelled reports that he has intentions to resign from office during this term.
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.
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.