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Where is the Premier? Slips out Territory on private trip? Dr Pickering assumes role

August 2nd, 2018 | Tags:
The former National Democratic Party (NDP) Leader and Premier, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), is missing from the Territory and his whereabouts are unknown. Photo: VINO/File
Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) will act as Premier. Photo: VINO/File
Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) will act as Premier. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The former National Democratic Party (NDP) Leader and Premier, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), is missing from the Territory and his whereabouts are unknown.

With Communications Director, Arlene  T. Penn, on vacation—and might be giving up her post—Government's Chief Information Officer, Desiree Smith, confirmed that the outgoing Premier, “is away on a private trip.”

The whereabouts for his private trip however, is unknown.

The Government Information Service (GIS) announced today, August 2, 2018, that Premier Smith will be away from August 2, 2018, to August 6, 2018 and that the Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) will act as Premier.

Pressure bust pipes

Dr Smith and his Administration  has been under pressure over allegations of corruption, with at least two projects currently under investigations—a $1.6 million, Elmore Stoutt High School wall and a $7.2 million BVI Airways deal with no plane or flights—ordered by two Governors.

The public has also been demanding General Elections because of a lack of confidence in the current Government. 

Hon Smith recently lost his post as party leader, to Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), and there has since been confusion as to who is in charge.  

Mr Walwyn's election as Chairman, has also divided the NDP, with some members openly saying they will rather retire than be led by him.  

He has since given members a deadline of August 12, 2018, to decide who will agree to run with him as Leader.

Constitutional

Honourable Pickering’s appointment as Acting Premier, is in accordance with Section 55 (1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, according to the GIS release.

That Order states, “If the Premier is expected to be absent from the Virgin Islands for more than forty-eight hours, the Governor shall authorise the Deputy Premier to perform the functions of the office of Premier; and the Governor shall revoke this authority on the return to the Virgin Islands of the Premier.”

13 Responses to “Where is the Premier? Slips out Territory on private trip? Dr Pickering assumes role”

  • flUffy (02/08/2018, 15:01) Like (552) Dislike (12) Reply
    Does the Premier always take leave in August?? And if not what is the problem with a "private"trip? Isnt he or whoever entitled to a life?? Gosh man!!
  • List 521 (02/08/2018, 15:19) Like (14) Dislike (38) Reply
    As far I I see he can never come back
  • Exactly (02/08/2018, 15:47) Like (50) Dislike (8) Reply
    Private means private. We are all entiled to some private time. If it has nothing to do with the Country, it is no one's business. Just give the man a break already.
  • No Rush (02/08/2018, 16:19) Like (13) Dislike (39) Reply
    Bye bye, don't come back now , ya hear!
  • Honestly (02/08/2018, 16:53) Like (14) Dislike (11) Reply
    I fêel bad for Doc.
  • Jaigon (02/08/2018, 19:00) Like (11) Dislike (9) Reply
    Some people are just ignorant as to what is going on. He is the premier of the Virgin Islands elected by the people. No one can deny him of a private trip but what is so wrong with announcing that he will be out of the territory on private business. What is the secrecy about him traveling?
    • !!!!!!!!!!! (02/08/2018, 22:38) Like (17) Dislike (7) Reply
      @Jaigon, The secrecy of him traveling on private business out of the territory is called, none of your business.
      • Lord have mercy (03/08/2018, 07:01) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
        @!!!!!!!!!- is fools like you why the country the way it is right now, he is the darm leader of the territory elected by the people. If he is leaving the country for what ever reason the people should know, he don’t have to reveal what he going for but at least we the people should know he will be away from the territory.
    • Peterson (03/08/2018, 09:54) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
      @ jaigon because he gone to see your mama
  • Jeezy (02/08/2018, 21:01) Like (13) Dislike (203) Reply
    Doc gone for some R and R. MW and MV have the man stressed out,so tired.
  • Well Sah (03/08/2018, 14:09) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Whatever the man Dio it’s a problem , if he fart it’s a problem, isn’t he human too? don’t you go on a vacation? Cha Man
  • Wonder (04/08/2018, 14:20) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope he is spending his own money and not taxpayers. This shows he cares nothing about the people,only the power. He is paid from the people's purse. He has disappointed all of us.
  • ABC (05/08/2018, 17:41) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    The worse leader the bvi ever had


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