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UPDATE: “I am an advocate for excellence”- Moleto A. Smith Jr.

- Officially announces candidacy for USVI Governor at press conference
Moleto A. Smith Jr. is challenging leaders and potential Government office holders to abandon the standard that primarily emphasizes political longevity and patronage and adopt a standard that focuses on a comprehensive test that reflects the requirements of being a good steward. The call was made at a press conference in St. Thomas, USVI where Mr Smith officially announced his intentions to run for the office of Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the upcoming 2014 Elections as a Democratic Party Candidate. Photo: Chic Photography
Moleto A. Smith Jr., has been the first gubernatorial candidate to go public about his intention to run for the post of Governor of the United States Virgin Islands for the November 2014 elections. Mr. Smith, who has deep roots and ties in the Virgin Islands, made the official announcement at a St. Thomas press conference on January 10, 2013. Photo: Chic Photography
Moleto A. Smith Jr., has been the first gubernatorial candidate to go public about his intention to run for the post of Governor of the United States Virgin Islands for the November 2014 elections. Mr. Smith, who has deep roots and ties in the Virgin Islands, made the official announcement at a St. Thomas press conference on January 10, 2013. Photo: Chic Photography
Moleto A. Smith Jr. will be vying to replace incumbent two term USVI Governor John P. de Jongh jr. Photo: Provided
Moleto A. Smith Jr. will be vying to replace incumbent two term USVI Governor John P. de Jongh jr. Photo: Provided
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St. Thomas , USVI - Shortly after publicly making his intentions to run for the office of Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the upcoming 2014 Elections as a Democratic Party Candidate, Moleto A. Smith Jr. is challenging leaders and potential Government office holders to abandon the standard that primarily emphasizes political longevity and patronage and adopt a standard that focuses on a comprehensive test that reflects the requirements of being a good steward.

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.”

  • great (07/01/2013, 09:00) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    Good luck just don't be a deceiver like Orlando & his gang here in BVI & have the Virgin Islands a play ground for the rich like they are doing.
  • My girl (07/01/2013, 09:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    go boy!
    • Cave Hill (07/01/2013, 15:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      good job as always VINO i keep wondering how you do it....Mr. Smith I cannot vote in the USVI but will get my aut and nices to support you!
  • gg (07/01/2013, 10:00) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    It appears that the Smiths are not so dead after all...
    • rattie (07/01/2013, 23:18) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
      Keep underestimating them smiths, you see how doc smith always wins...ok then!!!!.
  • ReX FeRal (07/01/2013, 10:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    To great! You too rude lol, but ur speaking the truth.
  • up with the win (07/01/2013, 11:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope he wins he reminds me of Dr. Turnbull
    • old glory (08/01/2013, 07:08) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Nothing to say here.
      I can see clearly.
      Go Moleto Smith.
      Win one for Goddy baby.

  • ccc (07/01/2013, 15:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    wish him all the best but I hope he has a lot of money as De young has rasied the stakes
  • Gunplay real name Ratchet Morales (07/01/2013, 15:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hmmmm I want to hear about his FIRST LADY first.
  • all in the family (07/01/2013, 16:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    he does look like them Humtums guth smith people for real!!!
  • ReX FeRaL (07/01/2013, 16:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Haha If you can shut it u can close it ingrate. Did my comment rattle the rocks between ur ears. Well bad.
  • ausar (07/01/2013, 18:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well Moleto, certainly after what happened to you by this administration, you should be the impetus to effect change in the area of nepotism that is so rampant in government here.

    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.
    • Toto (07/01/2013, 22:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I hope Mr Smith will show more guts during the campaign than he showed over his career.
  • st john (07/01/2013, 21:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am praying for you moleto you look like a governor already!!!
  • St Croix Smith (08/01/2013, 01:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Moleto, congratulations! Remember to maintain your integrity and grow the private sector. By now you already know the 2014 gubernatorial race will consist of many candidates. But remember STX votes plays a huge role in who sits in that office. The USVI needs new blood so best wishes! Hi Wade!
  • 2014 (08/01/2013, 13:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    MOLETO SMITH FOR GOVERNOR...ALL THE WAY BOUY
  • Me (08/01/2013, 15:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Smith is a real gentleman and I am happy that he is making this move.

    I wish him all the very best and much success.
  • Happy (10/01/2013, 19:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I had the opportunity to work on a project with Mr. Smith. He is a really intelligent young man. I think the BVI will benefit a lot from him especially in improving the social issues we are having here such as a home for the mentally ill, homeless and other social issues. Go. Mr. Smith, I will be voting for you.
    • confused (11/01/2013, 19:42) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
      Where did it say he's running in BVI? Im lost
      • Happy (12/01/2013, 11:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

        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.

  • vex (11/01/2013, 15:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    he reminds me of Mead Malone and Charles Turnbull...seems like a governor in the making but not sure if he will make it this time when the heavy weight announce like Donna C and the Lt Governor
  • Bay Gyal (12/01/2013, 08:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Moleto I sincerely wish you the best. The US Virgin Islanders residents and citizens need to see a light of hope and brighter sunnier skies in our future. Need some new faces with fresh ideas to benefit all and not just some. God alone knows what some of us face daily whether at work or in the community. Good luck again my friend and God bless!
  • black boy (12/01/2013, 08:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    yes

    vote for him people, he can do the job


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