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