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VIP Gov’t had the ‘fortitude & courage to do the right thing’- Lorna G. Smith

- said she always advocated for eligible expats to be given status in VI
Former First Lady, Mrs Lorna G. Smith, OBE, has showered praise on the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government for its recent bold move to grant status to more than 1500 expatriates in the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: VINO/File
More than 1500 expats living and working in the Virgin Islands for 20 years and beyond were given certificates of Residency and Belongership at a ceremony at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on December 16, 2019. Photo: Facebook
More than 1500 expats living and working in the Virgin Islands for 20 years and beyond were given certificates of Residency and Belongership at a ceremony at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on December 16, 2019. Photo: Facebook
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) had said, with the bold decision to regularise the more than 1500 eligible expats, the Virgin Islands had chosen to unite the Territory forever. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) had said, with the bold decision to regularise the more than 1500 eligible expats, the Virgin Islands had chosen to unite the Territory forever. Photo: VINO/File
Former First Lady, Mrs Lorna G. Smith, OBE, was in full support of the regularisation initiative, according to her post made on LinkedIn on December 17, 2019. Photo: LinkedIn
Former First Lady, Mrs Lorna G. Smith, OBE, was in full support of the regularisation initiative, according to her post made on LinkedIn on December 17, 2019. Photo: LinkedIn
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Mrs Lorna G. Smith, OBE, the wife of former Premier, Dr D. Orlando Smith, OBE, has showered praise on the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government of Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) for its recent bold move to grant status to more than 1500 expatriates in the Virgin Islands (VI).

The eligible expats, who had to be living and working in the VI for 20 years and beyond to be considered, were given certificates of Residency and Belongership at a ceremony at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on December 16, 2019.

More than 1000 of the persons receiving status were from the ‘Fast Track’ Regularisation Programme spearheaded by Premier Fahie (R1), who had said, despite resistance from a handful of persons to the initiative, it was necessary to resolve long outstanding and overdue matters in order to reform immigration and labour systems.

Hon Fahie had also said he respected persons’ right to oppose but as leaders you have a choice. “You can face the problems that are there and let them become worse or make a decision- one that will not only solve the problem but united the BVI forever. We chose to unite the BVI forever.”

VIP Gov’t did ‘the right thing’- Lorna G. Smith

Meanwhile, the former First Lady, Mrs Smith was in full support of the regularisation initiative, according to her post made on LinkedIn on December 17, 2019.

“My heartiest congratulations and welcome to the hundreds of well deserving citizens who were granted Permanent Residence or Citizenship yesterday. You can finally call the #BVI home. You can now really fly the BVI banner high wherever you go.”

Mrs Smith wrote that she always advocated “professionally and privately” that this “privilege be given to you, as I know what it feels like from personal experience having been granted status more than 50 years ago.”

“I commend this Administration for their fortitude and courage to do the right thing!” Mrs Smith remarked.

30 Responses to “VIP Gov’t had the ‘fortitude & courage to do the right thing’- Lorna G. Smith”

  • tretretrete (30/12/2019, 10:02) Like (34) Dislike (11) Reply
    Although I agree with her now, I also must say that most of us are so happy she isn't running the country anymore.
  • the pants (30/12/2019, 10:08) Like (26) Dislike (11) Reply
    She was wearing the pants but didn't have the b@lls to do it!. Moral of story: Wearing the pants doesn't make you a man!
  • pat (30/12/2019, 10:42) Like (17) Dislike (7) Reply
    She like others kissing up to VIP she looking a consultancy!!! Fahie say awoke
    • Naah (30/12/2019, 17:13) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      My sense is that she is jumping ahead to give the VIP a lil support because in the near future, the VIP will be bumping up against some serious failures and rejections from the UK and a big part is attrbuted to the same thing,Andrew's folly in the 1500 swoop at a time when the UK world status is tipsy.
      If she felt the way she us expressing,for certain ,under Doc's Admin,it would have been done.
      Pay Attention. Read between the lines.
  • Johnny sight (30/12/2019, 10:57) Like (21) Dislike (7) Reply
    She now admits NDP was a joke the biggest joke government with the worse leader in history

    And after mr zzzzzzz it got worse by turning it over to Myron !!!I could tell you this, never will we go back to smith, walywn, mark and that gang that killed we country
    • Deeds not words. (30/12/2019, 12:16) Like (14) Dislike (6) Reply
      VIP use NDP failure to their benefit. VI P at lease Fahie VIP will never loose again..... We got actton from VIP not bla bla....
  • VIslander (30/12/2019, 11:10) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    The persons were granted Residency and Belonger Status (not citizenship).
    Citizenship is granted through the Civil Registry and Passport Office.
    Please use the correct teminology, so as not to mislead. Just to clarify.
  • Virgin Islander (30/12/2019, 12:04) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    All you give Doc a break doctor smith is an honorable man a man of great integrity and love for country It was Mark and Funny Man Myron Kill the NDP with their greed and corruptions Dr, smith was between a rock and a hard place woe Be to M&M....
  • Lord o (30/12/2019, 12:13) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    She is just been fair and speaking her mind. Isn't she entitle to that...... We all know or present that we don't know that it was the other Doc that was running the country and messed it up.... Then again can't blame the one man. The entire NDP second term was a failure a disaster....
  • son of the soil (30/12/2019, 12:18) Like (5) Dislike (19) Reply
    I miss CB Romney because he never give out any belongers when he was the Chief Minister. His words were "They are already from some place"
  • BREAKING NEWS (30/12/2019, 12:33) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    THE PERSON WHO WENT ON THAT CAR CRASHING/MACHETTE SPREE NEXT TO BOBBY'S/BOLO'S A FEW MONTHS AGO {that had to be apprehended by boss freeman} WAS GIVEN BELONGER STATUS BY THE VIP GOVERNMENT
  • Disinterested (30/12/2019, 15:33) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wow! Lorna Hodge Smith is conforming that the NDP led by Dr. Daniel Orlando Smith, her husband, lacked courage. Confession is good for the soul. Confess some more sister.
  • yeah (30/12/2019, 15:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lorna looks a lot like Dr Smith in that picture...(minus the Wig...)
  • uHuh (30/12/2019, 17:49) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    What an odd thing! Who does that?
    I am not at all comfortable with Lorna's statemrts .
    Nooo one can truthfully dispute the obvious reason for Fahides action was to attempt guarantee reelection and Lorna,who is a member of the opposing Party.previous First Lady is supporting this ..no way...something is up and not looking good.
  • Outsider (30/12/2019, 18:37) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope that the governor depot the machett man after the court hearing. He is NOT desirous to belong to the BVI. Following......!
    • Come quick Lord Jesus (30/12/2019, 21:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Since we know who you are, maybe you should be dealt with for your bad, undercutting, smiling in the man face but blogging here anonymously mindset. But the Lord sees and knows and rewards us all according to our deeds. Not to worry, your time will come.
  • Antigua n Anguilla (30/12/2019, 19:03) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Ok Lorna you have no more power after feb 25 so you trying to stay relevant. Both you and funny man need to leave the bvi fast
  • Foot Soilder (30/12/2019, 19:11) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Leave Myron alone . Get off his back . He is no longer in politics . What needs to be focus on now - is the way forward -. See how Education Minister policies and changes both national and regional would compare to the success statistics already set . Especially at the CXC level where results cannot be botched to meet family and friends expectations . Then you have the proof of the better Minister ???????
    • @ FOOT SOILDER (31/12/2019, 06:38) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Thank god mvw is gone he destroyed our education system
    • Hmm Hmm (31/12/2019, 11:38) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      So many are obsessed with this hunk. He has everything going for him. A bronze ebony hunk,intelligence, know how...yep,the obsession is real. They will always talk about him .
      His only worry should be that they stop talking,stalking and obsessing.
  • Patriotic (31/12/2019, 09:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

    This former never had the ordinary working masses in good faith. they were and is a “bvi socialite” who only concern about their networking and personal goals. People like them and associates creates social inequity within our society. Sometimes it feels like A certain ngo is a branch of govt and that’s my honest opinion.

    • Queso (31/12/2019, 11:33) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      The "ordinary working masses",in the interest of the VI and its survival, need to return home after working.
      Instead they remain,procreate and defile what was once a pristine and respectable population,just so that they could feel like they are at home,a home they defiled and are now rejecting.
      The leader of the current Gov is using them to maintain a warped sense of and desire for power at the expense of his country.
  • Hmm (31/12/2019, 23:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bit.....h go sit down.
    • @hmmm (01/01/2020, 12:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Not nice to call your your momma out like that.
      She birthed you. Have some respect.
  • no difference (01/01/2020, 01:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just like the others.


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