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'We need to sit back & realise what we lost'- Hon Smith

- Deputy Speaker Neville A. Smith says Hon RT O'Neal taught him the importance of listening
Deputy Speaker, Hon Neville A. Smith told legislators in the Virgin Islands House of Assembly, that the Territory has lost a truly great leader with the passion of Hon Ralph T. O'Neal. Photo: Youtube/HoA
In a moving tribute made in honour of the late first Premier of the Virgin Islands (VI) Hon Ralph T. O'Neal OBE, Deputy Speaker of the VI House of Assembly (HoA), Hon Neville A. Smith aka 'Sheep' called for the territory to put into perspective that it has lost a truly great leader. Photo: VINO/File
In a moving tribute made in honour of the late first Premier of the Virgin Islands (VI) Hon Ralph T. O'Neal OBE, Deputy Speaker of the VI House of Assembly (HoA), Hon Neville A. Smith aka 'Sheep' called for the territory to put into perspective that it has lost a truly great leader. Photo: VINO/File
During his tribute, Hon Neville A. Smith called for the House of Assembly's camera to zoom into a portrait of the late Hon Ralph T. O'Neal while expressing gratitude for all he did in the Territory. Photo: Youtube/HoA
During his tribute, Hon Neville A. Smith called for the House of Assembly's camera to zoom into a portrait of the late Hon Ralph T. O'Neal while expressing gratitude for all he did in the Territory. Photo: Youtube/HoA
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - In a moving tribute made in honour of the late first Premier of the Virgin Islands (VI) Hon Ralph T. O'Neal OBE, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly (HoA), Hon Neville A. Smith aka 'Sheep' called for the territory to put into perspective that it has lost a truly great leader.

"We need to sit back, look back and realise what we have lost. We have lost so much but he has given so much back to us," Hon Smith said during a December 3, 2019, special sitting of the House.

He told legislators that words and tributes cannot bring back the late legislator, "but he will be in every one of our hearts forever and ever," the Deputy Speaker remarked.

Weeks before the special sitting, Hon Smith in a public statement said it was a pleasure having been in the presence of Hon O'Neal to witness the great things he did for the Territory and its people, especially the people of Virgin Gorda and Anegada.

"He did so much for us that we don't even know how to say thank you, because no words can describe thank you enough," Hon Smith said.

Personal impacts 

Touching on personal impacts, the Deputy Speaker noted, "I've learnt from him that when you decide to come and run for politics, it has to be something that you want to do."

Hon Smith continued, "But when you come and you serve the people, you have to serve them with your heart in every bit of it, you have to be true to the people and that he was, even if you didn't like what he said, he will be truthful."

He said one of the best qualities he loved the most about Hon O'Neal was his listening skills, even at moments when his eyes were closed.

According to Mr Smith, "I don't think I will be able to serve the length of time that he served, but for the short time that I will be serving, I surely will do my best as he did."

16 Responses to “'We need to sit back & realise what we lost'- Hon Smith”

  • he handsome too (06/12/2019, 11:38) Like (8) Dislike (8) Reply
    Sheep is the man, we voting for he all the way next time
    • not he (06/12/2019, 12:38) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
      a one-termer, unfortunately didn't bring nothing to the table except for a festival bill for his stage/music
    • No Hon (06/12/2019, 17:50) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
      Next time around he is not going to get the votes based on his looks. That has played out. Want the truth? He only got the votes because the women voters voted for him because of his looks. How about that?
  • tola (06/12/2019, 11:43) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    Quiet ones always have the most to say, well said sheep.
  • john public (06/12/2019, 12:42) Like (5) Dislike (13) Reply
    WHAT A WASTE OF VOTES FOR THIS OVERRATED GUY
  • Well Mr. (06/12/2019, 15:09) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    The truth is, only now you realize that? And, might I add, one could felt the love and passion that the late Mr.O'neal had for his Country, his was real. Can't say that for the rest of you.
  • facts (06/12/2019, 18:33) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Poor funny man he has a new blogging crew but we can see right through it, Hon smith we got you, as you have helped a lot of people in your short time in office

    Easy re election
    • we wont forget (06/12/2019, 23:01) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      Sheep said and i quote "we have become a nation of beggars" He will come back begging for votes and we will throw that in his face
    • @ facts (07/12/2019, 05:10) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Let Myron blog that’s all he has going for him and a few restaurants
  • one eye (07/12/2019, 05:12) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Neville is a good man, he means well and will always have the support of we the people, so take that to the bank!!
    • for real (08/12/2019, 19:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ one eye - thank you! all of them who on here with their negativity are a set of haters. It's not only y'all who voted for him, always remember he has the rest of us and we will always have his back. now TAKE THAT TO THE BANK AND CASH IT!
  • I HOPE (07/12/2019, 17:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope they clean up the yard of the Briercliffe Hall before the funeral service. It is quite overgrown and looks like a big eyesore. Can’t have officials coming from overseas to the state funeral and having the building next door looking so shoddy.
  • east man (08/12/2019, 05:29) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I love mr Smith passion and love for people. He helped a lot of people even before he was elected
  • musa (08/12/2019, 19:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    MR SHEEP SOON WE WILL CALL YOU GOAT


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