Premier Smith fires back @ Gov Duncan
Why? Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) was pressed to address this issue at a press conference held yesterday February 16, 2017 in the Conference Room, Office of the Premier where reporters demanded an explanation for the inaction.
It takes time!
"One of the things that I find interesting is that there are many things that people would like to see, including myself, including my Ministers of Government, including the Governor, including the public, but sometimes things take time. I find it best not to rush into things so quickly because sometimes you make the wrong decision. And making things public after, you realise there are various aspects you want to make public, when to make it public. Those are the things which we are looking at, which we are discussing," Premier Smith responded.
Earlier this week, Governor John S. Duncan OBE publicly blasted the National Democratic Party (NDP) government at a public event held at Her Majesty's Prison, suggesting that they are struggling with setting priorities for passing legislations that have been on the table for an extended time now, including the passing of the Freedom of Information Act and the establishing of the Human Rights Council.
As he sought to defend those matters, Premier Smith said "Even with the bill which the Governor spoke about that is on the table for discussions and some of these bills that you need to present to the House take quite a lot of discussion, take a lot of research, take quite a lot of negotiating before they are properly presented before the House, because you want to make sure that whatever you do is in the best interest of the people of the territory. Sometimes even when you do that and we carry bills to the House, shortly after it needs amendments to change some things which perhaps were not suitable at the time."
Poor timing by Governor, says Premier Smith
However, the Premier believes that the recent public comments made by Governor Duncan were inappropriate.
"Let me put it this way, I was taken aback by the Governor's statements, which I thought was not appropriate for the occasion. I also want to add that we all work well together, all the Ministers of government and the Governor, we have frank discussions in Cabinet," said Premier Smith.
"I will say that we work together as a team...We all contribute to all the discussions that go on, whether it's in financial services, whether it's in health, tourism; and we make decisions collectively...So as long as I am aware, I know that whatever decision we are making is in the best of the Territory, as far as we can do. I am fine with that," he said.
Further asked if he was infuriated by the public outburst of the Governer and if he spoke to him expressing his distaste for the manner in which he made the statement, Premier Smith declined to comment on whether he spoke to the Governor.
The Leader of Government said; however, that he is not fazed by the growing attacks on him and his administration.
"No, because what I am doing here is putting in the time...meeting with my colleagues to have discussions and discussions with the public so we can continue to build an economy for the people.”
We support RVIPF ‘inside & outside budget’- Premier
Governor Duncan had also criticised the NDP Government for cutting the budget of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) by 46% since 2012. His sentiments supported the earlier call by former Permanent Secretary and Businessman Julian Willock to properly fund the police.
"For example, the matter of the police, as a government we support the police inside and outside the budget," said Premier Smith, while also noting that last year, outside of the budget allocations, government provided funding for the hiring of 30 additional police officers and the purchasing of new vehicles.
"As you know, a budget is a budget and during the budget, you have to make a decision as to what programmes (have to) be in that budget. Decisions are made by Cabinet, taken to the House (of Assembly) and a final decision is made."
.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
33 Responses to “Premier Smith fires back @ Gov Duncan”
This Premier that everyone view has his elected Members so Out of Order from day One!! As they get in they start disrespecting the Opposition Members, persons in authority and wider community. Oh when and how you want the Governor to address their unlistenable backside!! Should he do it behind closed doors!! Problem no 1 Abuse of Power. We created disrespectful and hired greedy unintelligent Monsters. Problem number 2 Transparency!!! Problem number 3 no accountability, Problem number 4 Cronism and Victimization, Problem number 5 Self Interest before serving the people, Problem number 6 Lies, tricks, fake promises and delusion about true state of country. Problem no 7 Inability to prioritize the country's needs, Problem number 8 Bad Finance Management/lack of (e.g years of audited accounts), Problem number 9 The Country is Broke, Problem number 10 The people will have to pay for this Government mistakes true increase taxes, crime, poverty and lower quality of living.
Who can say they are not paying for this Government mistakes already except for the cronies of course. In case the Premier isn't aware even himself has a boss and he should go Address the education minister and his other members from wasting the people's time and attackng the throne!!!!
Some of us indigenous people are what destroying the country and its people. We put other people down and hold them just there, treat other nationalities bad just as how you doing the Governor for doing his job. Let's talk about victimization, poor managemebt, hog treatment, evilness and the "shut your mouth don't oppose me" mentality that prevails the ndp administration. An indigenous as Cline had to face it and many more. We have bitter mean vindictive and ungrateful people leading and living in this country they claim they love. A big problem is ndp believe they don't have to answer to anyone but I got news for them. They better chill because the Governor is on to them. Race and nationality has nothing to do with how this country is being run. It's the shittyest and most degraded administration by far. Mr. Governor continue to do your darn job!!!
Lawdy doc how you go disrespect the throne! The one that look out for you and help you grow! When words get to the Queen you go know! Don't disrespect the throne! Ayayea lol
We are the hollow men
We are the stuffed men
Leaning together
Headpiece filled with straw. Alas!
Our dried voices, when
We whisper together
Are quiet and meaningless
As wind in dry grass
Or rats' feet over broken glass
In our dry cellar
Shape without form, shade without colour,
Paralysed force, gesture without motion;
Those who have crossed
With direct eyes, to death's other Kingdom
Remember us—if at all—not as lost
Violent souls, but only
As the hollow men
The stuffed men.
And Mark and Myron leads the parade.