UPDATE: “I am an advocate for excellence”- Moleto A. Smith Jr.
This he said at a press conference in the US Virgin Islands on January 10, 2013 to officially announce his candidacy . “As we begin our renewed conversation about empowering ourselves and our community today for prosperity tomorrow, it is important that each of us focus closely on the quality and caliber of those of us, like me, who seek and will seek the approval of the people to be their chief steward. The focus must be on quality, caliber and the pursuit of excellence,” said Smith Jr. in his press statement, which Virgin Islands News Online was privileged to review.
His début statement was plastered with a number of question which he deemed pertinent to be answered and those which must be addressed in the interest of national development. “I love people and take interest in ensuring that each of us is inspired to be more than the spaces we occupy. I am an advocate for excellence,” he stated.
In realising this process he stated that first they foster sustainable economic development through strategies that strategically diversify the economy, promote employment and foster the increase in the circulation of dollars in the local economy, as well as position the Territory as a regional leader in the global marketplace.
He stressed the importance of targeting specific interest of St. Croix for a up-market stay over tourism, agri-tourism, sports and entertainment tourism, historic and cultural tourism and other niche sectors in the global tourism marketplace, development as an international state-of-the art trans-shipment hub, facilitating sustainable commercial investments in agri-business that incorporates local farmers and farmer cooperatives and promotes food security for the Territory; and, establishing a brand as the leader in the region in the financial services sector for US-based and non-US based financial services entities for banking, insurance, trust entities, private equity and others.
“Overall, robust emphasis will be placed on entrepreneurial development by strongly supporting small and mid-sized business development by providing comprehensive wrap around support services for business start up and existing business. Second we must promote excellence in government services outcomes by streamlining government operations and enhancing human capital and technology. There must be an emphasis on greater efficiency and effectiveness, in order to position the Territory as a regional leader in the emerging global marketplace.
Third is the requirement, as the chief steward, to ensure accountability and public confidence in government and government operations.”
Another area of focus according to Mr. Smith Jr., is the need to promote education reform and the enhancement of human capital in order to ready all students to maximize opportunities in the global marketplace. Central in this area, is the need to realign process priorities to reflect the fundamental emphasis on academic outcomes of the student by providing greater sustainable support to teachers in the classroom and in vocational settings. Correspondingly, the development and implementation of outcome-based programs aimed at sustaining parent involvement is essential.
Mr. Smith has deep roots and ties in the Virgin Islands and is family to Premier Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, Commissioner of Customs Wade Smith and the nephew of one of the first two women elected to the Virgin Islands’ Parliament- the late Honourable Ethlyn E. Smith.
This news agency was the first to sit and pose a number of questions to Mr. Smith Jr., following the announcement of his intentions to run for the office of Governor in the USVI.
See previous story posted on January 7, 2013
Exclusive: Moleto A. Smith Jr. throws hat in ring for USVI Governor
While the elections for governor of the United States Virgin Islands is some two years away- November 2014, one candidate is about to announce his candidacy as early as this week.
Moleto A. Smith Jr., a St. Thomas-based business and management consultant and former 16-year public sector senior executive, will hold a press conference at 6 P.M., Thursday, January 10, 2013 in Caribbean Room A, at the Windward Passage Hotel on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands to announce his intention to seek the Office of Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the 2014 Election as a Democratic Party candidate.
Mr. Smith has deep roots and ties in the Virgin Islands and is family to Premier Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, Commissioner of Customs Wade Smith and the nephew of one of the first two women elected to the Virgin Islands’ Parliament- the late Honourable Ethlyn E. Smith.
Virgin Islands News Online was the first media house in the greater Virgin Islands to sit down with the potential Governor Mr. Smith for a brief, but exclusive interview.
Q1. Why are you running for governor?
Response:
I am running for governor to renew a conversation around fundamental questions that face each generation: What type of society do we want? What are those obligations, both moral, ethical and otherwise, to achieve it? And, how to we establish a framework that empowers all persons in the United States Virgin Islands towards excellence for a prosperous and secure future for generations. As a result of my extensive and expansive professional training and experience, proven commitment to the all segments of the community, high regard for excellence and outcomes, and passion to serve people, and overall preparation, I am running for governor to serve as a steward of the public trust.
Q2. Why are you announcing so early?
Response:
I am announcing at this time to provide the electorate the opportunity to know me and give me the opportunity to know and meet it. I believe that it is the responsibility of the candidate to give the voters full opportunity to interact with him or her, and to fully understand and analyse the vision, quality and calibre of those who seek public office, particularly high office. It's important for me to hear the concerns, suggestions, feedback and input from all segments of the community.
Q3. Have you thought of a running mate?
Response:
I have thought of a running mate, particularly the qualities and professional background of that person. At the appropriate time an announcement will be made on the selection of a running mate.
Q4. Name 3 things the people can expect from a Smith administration in the first 4 years?
Response:
The people can expect a fundamental pursuit of excellence through (1) transparency and accountability, (2) improving government services by streamlining government operations and enhancing human capital and technology; and (3) a strategic focus on diversifying the economy and addressing the educational and social issues of the Territory. At the press conference on January 10, 2013, the strategic visions in these areas will be presented.
According to Mr. Smith, introductory events for the islands of St. Croix, St. John and Water Island are planned for the month of January 2013 and will be announced.
27 Responses to “UPDATE: “I am an advocate for excellence”- Moleto A. Smith Jr.”
I can see clearly.
Go Moleto Smith.
Win one for Goddy baby.
We certainly need a change from where we are currently!
Good luck in all your endeavours and do not call out a lieutenant until it's the right time.
I wish him all the very best and much success.
I am just saying we can use him here in the BVI also. By the way I am a US, so yes I will be heading to St. Thomas to vote for him. Unfortunately you cannot.
vote for him people, he can do the job