Premier Smith lambasted NDP over billboard; Party civil war ongoing
The billboard appeared in the middle of Road Town, behind Vanterpool’s Pharmacy in the capital city on Wednesday February 28, 2018, asking Virgin Islanders not to support the UK Framework for the BVI Recovery Plan. It further urged the public to call their representatives and ask them to vote “no” on the recovery plan framework.
It could be my own party behind the billboard- Premier
However, at a hastily arranged press conference called yesterday February 28, 2018 by Premier Smith at his Office, where half the media houses were absent, he lambasted his own political party over the billboard.
When asked if he knew who was behind the controversial billboard, the Premier said almost angrily that while he did not know who was behind the billboard, “it could be any person, an individual or a group of persons, even persons within the National Democratic Party, my own party, I don’t know…but let us stop this petty nonsense….”
This was an unusual move for the party leader Dr Smith to throw his own group under the bus, after first admitting he does not know who was responsible for the Billboard while still alleging “it could be my own political party.”
Fight for leadership within the NDP
There is a nasty fight ongoing over the leadership of the party and many members believe if they return to the polls with Dr Smith as the leader the NDP will be overwhelmingly defeated.
73 year old Premier Smith, who has been at the helm of the party from its founding in 1998, leads the status quo wing that reportedly includes Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), his brother in law, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), the Education and Culture Minister who has his own leadership ambitions; however, is currently under investigation over a small wall built around the Elmore Stoutt High School costing tax payers $1.6 M just before the 2015 general elections.
Other status quo supporters include some wives of other members and family members of Dr Smith.
Progressive wing scored big
It is believed that the progressive wing is led by the younger legislators, along with some backbenchers such as Hons Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), Marlon A. Penn (R8), and Deloris Christopher (R5), and party spokeswoman and cultural icon, former Legislator Mrs Eileene L. Parsons OBE.
The NDP progressive wing scored a big victory on February 6, 2018 with the election of Troy E. Christopher, the son of Hon Christopher, for party chairman and Michael A. Turnbull Phd, the brother of Hon Turnbull, as his Deputy.
They are now working behind the scenes to force an election for President, the post that Dr Smith holds.
NDP vs VIP 2019
While the NDP still hold their base of supporters and are still popular amongst some segment of the youth, many political observers believe the outcome of the 2019 elections will be much different from that of 2015, where they defeated the main Opposition Virgin Islands Party 11 to 2.
It is said that the NDP team has lost momentum, trust disappeared when the people needed them most after the two killer storms, Irma and Maria, and they are seen as “corrupt” and have been dubbed by one outspoken member as “heartless.”
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27 Responses to “Premier Smith lambasted NDP over billboard; Party civil war ongoing”
its disgusting that ANYONE can expect the UK government to back a loan without strict terms. especially given the history of corruption and self serving government officials with hands in the cookie jar.
you go to a bank for a loan, with bad financial management history (theft, bad accountability )....you know what they tell you.....???"..no thankyou, there is the door, have a nice day".
If there are any BV Islanders who will offer me a loan with no financial responsibility or accountability, i'd LOVE to head from you !
We should be grateful that someone has stepped up to the plate to assist.
Imagine if we were an independent nation ......... wow !!!!
Anyone supporting this billboard should be ashamed of themselves and they certainly wont be getting my vote at the next election and if the general public (BV Islanders) are OK with it.. then enjoy the status as a UK national, the free health services, the free education the free housing in UK whilst stabbing them in the back.
Sick and tired of this.....look around you, the Islands have been well and truly thrown back in time. want to remain there, keep on truckin'...you'll probably be moaning just as hard if the UK pull out from their proposed assistance, saying that we are being abandoned.
Get real. !
God has already selected a "David" to take the place of Dr. Smith. He will make those who seek and crave power to be made low. Dr. Smith is a good person but his time and his wife's time is up. The problem is not England. The problem is that we the people (especially the church) have allowed greed and a disrespect for God to permeate this land.
The Premier, his wife, Myron, Mark, the rest of the Party and the VIP who call God name asking for prayer and who like to quote scripture to make them look good all need to repent. Too much unrighteousness is being practiced in the BVI and our leaders are no better. Whoever the cap fits, let them wear it.
Whatever the NDP is going through at this time, it must run the course. New Leadership does not come without a fight from people who desires power. But God be glorified! He who appoints to leadership also brings them to their knees. Let God Reign! There is another who is anointed to take the reigns.
When the time comes to vote for new leadership whether in the Party or at the General Election, change will come; and i believe that.
Frankly, the track record of managing money by this administration has been disgraceful so I welcome rules and oversight to make sure hands not in the cookie jar or pet projects like the airport goes before infrastructure and getting
the island back on track. BVI is not equipped with experienced and wise legislators to help put it back together again with a few exceptions.