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Shaina M. Smith inks $84,000 contract with Government

- 18 months to advise on engineering matters for hospital project
Ms. Shaina M. Smith has been awarded a $84,000 contract to advise on engineering matters on the Hospital project. Smith is a former political candidate in the recent VI general elections under the PPA banner.
Recently, Minister for Health and Social Devoplment Ronnie W. Skelton promised that the new hospital will be completed within his four years in office. Shaina M. Smith has been hired as a consultant on the project.
Recently, Minister for Health and Social Devoplment Ronnie W. Skelton promised that the new hospital will be completed within his four years in office. Shaina M. Smith has been hired as a consultant on the project.
Recently, Minister for Health and Social Devoplment Ronnie W. Skelton promised that the new hospital will be completed within his four years in office. Shaina M. Smith has been hired as a consultant on the project.
Recently, Minister for Health and Social Devoplment Ronnie W. Skelton promised that the new hospital will be completed within his four years in office. Shaina M. Smith has been hired as a consultant on the project.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - After telling the people of the Virgin Islands that the now opposition Virgin Islands Party of Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, left the country broke and in a 51 million dollars deficit, the Orlando Smith Administration has found another $84,000.00 for a consultancy contract for Ms. Shaina M. Smith of Smith & Associates, her new consultancy firm she started in April of last year, where she is Managing Director and CEO.

According to Virgin Islands News Online’s sources within the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) and team of reporters, the consultancy contract was signed with the Ministry of Health and Social Development and is for 18 months. Ms. Smith’s firm is expected to advise the Minister for Health and Social Development on engineering matters associated with the Peebles Hospital project.

No more details have been obtained on this contract. This also comes on the heels of a $96,000 consultancy contract for Claude Skelton-Cline to advise the Minister for Communications and Works on Ports matters and $90,000 for Kevin C. Smith to advise the Premier on small business matters. Both Skelton-Cline and Smith are NDP candidates who lost in their bids to win a district seat in the 2011 Virgin Islands (VI) general elections.

Ms. Smith, a former candidate in the recently held 2011 general elections, was the coordinator of the VI’s newest political party the People’s Patriotic Alliance (PPA). The party ran four candidates At-Large, however, it did not win a seat in the Parliament.

Up to press time, Ms. Smith could not be reached for a comment.

Ms. Smith, a former civil servant and President of the Virgin Islands Civil Service Association was the Manager of the Project Support Services Unit (PSSU) within the Ministry of Finance.

The 1993 VI High School graduate went on to study on a scholarship from the Government. Smith has a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and received her Masters in industrial engineering and management systems from the University of Central Florida in 2002.

47 Responses to “Shaina M. Smith inks $84,000 contract with Government”

  • Well Sa (23/01/2012, 08:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am happy for you Shaina. It is good that they have begun to realize that there are people in the BVI who have skills and talents that can be utilized. I know that Shaina will do an excellent job.
  • critic (23/01/2012, 08:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    with the ndp's nipple in her mouth, that will keep her quiet for a while
    • billy b (23/01/2012, 08:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      critic, where is the nipple that was in your mouth all these years, or did you swallowed it on nov. 7, 2011
    • In Retrospect (23/01/2012, 09:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      It's people like you that have kept the country from moving forward with your parochial views. If someone like Shaina was not recognized and tapped for her skills and abilities you would be complaining. Now that she is you are are trying to minimize her. From your statement it is also obvious that you are a VIP supporter and someone that can't see very far. Had the government brought in a consultant from outside you would be complaining, now that they have used a qualified and skilled local you are criticizing. Instead of criticizing take the time to get your foot out of your mouth. The government needs to employ the skills of all irrespective of their party affiliation and has the prerogative to choose from among the qualified pool. People like you who have no meaningful contribution to make could find meaning in the world by simply going down to the beach and counting the grains of sand and coming back with a report. That should keep you busy indefinitely, and if that doesn't work try filling a few baskets with water. That would be much better than coming on line and blogging nonsense.
      • Tomas (23/01/2012, 13:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Hip! Hip! huraaaaa. It's high time Government be fair to our people and recognise their abilities and utilise them. We spend too much money on employing foreigners who don't give a dam** about the welfare of this country.
  • ooooo (23/01/2012, 08:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    andrew wacth out...ndp coming to get you
  • pipe (23/01/2012, 09:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am happy for you Shania. I know you will do a great job!! Don't mind the political noise.
  • Guest (23/01/2012, 09:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is great news...It basically amounts to a salaried employee...nothing more nothing less.
  • man talk (23/01/2012, 09:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Its about time we start our own local talent to do these jobs and let the money stay here in the BVI. YES MY GIRL, THIS IS JUST THE START OF BIG THINGS. NDP HAS VISION..........
  • TORTOLIAN (23/01/2012, 09:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You see the same sh*t. Stop wasting our blinking tax dollars on foolishness.
  • AirDrop (23/01/2012, 09:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well done Shaina! I know you have good intentions for your country.
  • Loyalty to country (23/01/2012, 09:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations!
  • 9th District (23/01/2012, 09:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Here we go AGAIN....where is ALL this money coming from...cutting my families of increment....advisor for what when there is a contractor. Contractor need advising? BULL S...
    • Peter (23/01/2012, 13:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Read properly. She will be advising the Government on what is taking place - In other words she is going to ensure to keep Government abreast of what is taking place so that we do not end up in the pits with that hospital again.
  • country above self (23/01/2012, 09:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    well done Good contract at least she is qualified for this, unlike the CLaude Skelton contract. Make us proud Shaina.
    • Jog (23/01/2012, 12:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Good job Shania. I agree Claude is not quilfied to do NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Million Dollar Man Ted DIbiase (23/01/2012, 10:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    HAHAHAHAHA EVERYBODY HAS A PRICE!
  • Mr. Blak (23/01/2012, 10:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well NDP giving the contracts to young local I guess you can't say they sending the money out the territory. Good job Ms. Smith good job NDP
  • qqqq (23/01/2012, 10:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    the next time i hear dr. smith say we broke I will jump out my office widom
    • Dr Smith (23/01/2012, 11:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      We are broke!!!!............................You ain't out the window yet??? You got my hopes up....
      • ha ha he he (23/01/2012, 21:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        the doc overseas and cannot send such an e-mail without glover parks and Lorna!
    • Very interesting (23/01/2012, 12:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Politicians all speak from both sides of their mouths. Why not hire her back to the civil service? She was supposed to be doing that same job when she was there. I think it's all well and great that she got the contract rather than an outside firm but my question still remains - what are the darn prioties in this place? The hospital and the greenhouses are NO WHERE near completion. However, the education system continously keeps getting worse and worse. The 1 MILLION that is to be saved by cutting increments seems to all be going towards consultancies - what ahyu really dealing with in this place?
      • Crank Shaft (23/01/2012, 12:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        The consultancy was already budgeted for the Hospital. The problem is that we are so used to seeing outside companies get such contracts and now that our own are getting these lucrative opportunities, we vex. Tell me how we are only hearing about selective salaries, some not others? It's very obvious to me! First we complain about being outnumbered in our country and not being considered for senior jobs and lucrative contracts. Now the Government is putting these locals at the forefront, finally giving them an opportunity to hone their skillls and contribute to the Territory, now it's a problem. What do you people really want? It really baffles me sometimes!!! LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL! When they get it, NO NO NO!! It's just like the water situation. Don't give it to the locals OC, they too greedy but don't give it to Biwater because they not from here. Who should get it then? The cows and goats in the hills? I swear.....
      • Really Now (23/01/2012, 12:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Well said. Dr. Smith need to give back the civil servants their increment because obviously there is money for foolishness. Who tell NDP Shana is qualified to be a consultant for the Hospital Project. A hospital is not like an dordinary building. Has she had experience building a Hospital. We just need to stop wasting tax payers money greasing the hands of supporters and cronies
        • Sali (23/01/2012, 14:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          does Jamesy have experience in building a hospital? You are quite fine what that because it was a VIP decision. Shana is an engineer, and a bright and enthusiastic one. She will be working with another engineer and together they will do us proud - watch and see. Have we heard anything about the medical study which cost tax payers in excess of $500,000 by an expat and the car racing tract which cost us $90,000+ by someone who definitely was unqualify for such a task?
          • Really Now (23/01/2012, 14:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            @ Sali: All a waste of our tax dollars and I for one is not in support of any of these consultancies. It is high time we stop wasting our tax dollars on foolishness especially when we are not getting value for money. If the country is in the red then my goodness NDP start acting like it. It can't be in the red only when you want to take money out of sosme peoplels mouth. further more she was not outstanding in her previous job and I bet we don't get value for money in this one either!
        • billy b (23/01/2012, 15:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          F.Y.I. Shaina has experience in engineering.
  • why less money (23/01/2012, 10:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If shes the crusader she pretends to be, Should'nt she ask for equal pay for equal work since shes definetly more quailfied and experieced than Claude and in goverment longer than OJ. Money helps get rid of critics, good luck everybodys has to eat in this one horse town.
    • Crank Shaft (23/01/2012, 12:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Did you come up with that nonsense all by yourself? Could it be that the deliverables in each contract vary, hence the compensation package? Claude is getting 96K, OJ 90K and Shaina 84K. You are suggesting that she's an idiot and doesn't know what she's worth? The fact that each of them accepted the offers means that they've had the necessary discussions and it was based on what's expected of them. However, this is just a horse and pony show against NDP, nothing to do with caring about the country! Again, the main consultant on the Hospital which is linked to what Shaina is doing is getting $200K plus perks. Why isn't that reported as well? VIP gave Baker Tilly over $300K to tell them what each department head could've told them for FREE! Where was the reporting on this?
  • question (23/01/2012, 11:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    now is Benneth Smith not hired to do this???? waste of my tax $$$$$
  • Boss (23/01/2012, 12:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well Well Well from i thought the country was in a bad state (FINANCIALLY) but yet these guys issusing (contractS) just 2 be advised.... BASICALLY MEANS 2 RUN DEM DAMN MOUTH..... i think i'm in the wrong line of work mann...... JUST SAYIN................ thas allotta currency
  • village ram (23/01/2012, 14:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    why the fuss she is born right here and has no place to go! end of story
  • Lee (23/01/2012, 14:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Question: Can that $84,000.00 for consultancy be use to finish that same hospital?
  • Crank Shaft (23/01/2012, 14:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The expats just love to see locals eat their own! LOL! The woman get an $84k contract for 18months of work! That equates to under $5k per month LMFAO!!!!! That's any money? LOLOLOLOL!!!
    • Mary J (23/01/2012, 14:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      then let's give back this 84 g to the small man in the civil service so their increment would not be cut...what about dat boss or "crank shaft!
  • Not2Sure (23/01/2012, 14:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't know Shania at all and whether this is likely to be good value for money. But I do know that this is a hell of a lot of money being spent on "consultants" by the BVI Government, largely to do jobs that they are already paying people to do. And it is worriesome.
    • Real Talk (23/01/2012, 19:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The Government is in a catch 22 position hence the issue we have. What they really need to do is get rid of the dead weight in the service and hire people on contract where they will have no choice but to be productive in certain areas. The Government knows it's filled with dead weight hence these new hires to get things done. Each of these consultants have a point to prove as they're aspiring politicians who would need a record of achievements to run on in the future. Failure is not an option for either of them. As someone else said, $84k for an 18mth contract works out to $4k and change per month. Hardly big money by any standards. The point is, because of how the BVI system is and because of how we the people are so greedy and backwards thinking, the Government cannot fire people so now we have people being paid doing nothing, while another set are being paid to do the job. Can you imagine the outcry if they fired about 500 dead weight from the service? We would cry bloody murder even if we know they were getting paid for doing nothing. So there we have it. What do you want them to do? What would you have done? Do tell!
      • Really Now (24/01/2012, 10:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Don't fool yourself some of these contract workers are more dead weight than those in the service. Most of the dead weight in the service comes from political hire and not on their own merit.
  • Mack69 (23/01/2012, 18:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Her training seems approprite, but what's the extent of her relevant engineering/project management experience? ... just curious.
  • fare living (23/01/2012, 18:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    hey girl go on make that money i know u will do a great job.
  • Quiet Storm (24/01/2012, 12:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    No problem with Ms. Smith, a Virgin Islander, inking a contract to provide engineering consulting services to the hospital if the services are needed and provide value for cost($$). If the services are needed, why not ask a qualified Virgin Islander to provide them. Some of us slam Alfred for his ghost of Willie Lynch comments. Well, let's demonstrate that the ghost of Willie Lynch is dying. Let's support and look out for our own. Nonetheless, I have a few questions. Is Bennet Smith still on the hospital project? And if so are the services that Shaina is providing duplicates Bennet's scope? Does PWD have the capacity to provide these services? Can the Director of PWD or another engineer provide these services? This level of service should be within the purview and capability of PWD. By the way, who is the Director of PWD? Rumor has it that Dr. Glasgow is gone and Jeffrey Skelton, a former acting director, is coming back. We are moving backwards. The PWD position is a technical position and should be staffed by an engineer. How can one provide technical guidance in an area that one is not trained in. Are we neglecting the public health and safety for political expediency? Paragraph 2 may appear to conflict with the view in paragraph 1. It does not. Supporting our own means putting qualified Virgin Islanders in available positions. This is especially true when public health and safety is at stake.
  • mr frett (24/01/2012, 12:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So far, i heard three different person awarded monies pass $80,000.00 the drag racing consultant was only awarded 94,000, and i don't even think he got all that money as yet. So to my knowledge 84 plus 94 and the other one is well over 200 thousand and now of these are for the youths
  • insider (24/01/2012, 18:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    just a contract to keep she quiet..NDP crooks
  • Real (24/01/2012, 20:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Quite Storm you questions are valid.
  • Guess (29/01/2012, 21:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Shaina gonna run on the NDP ticket in 2015 in the 1st... welsah... i hope this aint a political appointment... I hope Shaina smarter than that!


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