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Hon Mark H. Vanterpool in the big chair! ...is Acting Premier

Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), is acting Premier. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable, D. Orlando Smith (Left) and Deputy Premier, Dr the Honourable, Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) are both on official duties overseas. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable, D. Orlando Smith (Left) and Deputy Premier, Dr the Honourable, Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) are both on official duties overseas. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), is acting Premier and Minister of Finance, effective June 10 to 17, 2018.

The development comes since Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable, D. Orlando Smith (AL) and Deputy Premier, Dr the Honourable, Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) are both on official duties overseas.

Premier Smith is joined by Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), in Asia, while Dr Pickering, is heading a Virgin Islands (VI) government delegation to London, leaving Hon. Vanterpool, at the helm of government in the Territory until June 17, 2018,.

Under constitution

Minister Vanterpool’s appointment, is in accordance with the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 Section 55 (2).

According to that provision, “If both the Premier and the Deputy Premier are expected to be absent from the Virgin Islands (VI) for more than forty-eight hours, the Governor shall authorise another Minister designated by the Premier, to perform the functions of the office of Premier.”

This, according to government spokeswomen, Bria Smith, who in public statement reminded that, “the Governor shall revoke this authority on the return to the VI of either the Premier or the Deputy Premier.”

His record

Mr. Vanterpool’s track record in office saw him presiding over a Ports Development Project that saw $40M in cost over- runs. Residents have also been enquiring into the ‘loan money’ for roads and bridges, even before Hurricanes Irma and Maria.  

The Territory’s infrastructure has been the subject of heated debate and there are growing concerns under Hon. Vanterpool.

Minister Vanterpool, has also been under fire from the public for his stewardship of the Telecommunications portfolio—another of his many failures, according to critics, as it was reported that the VI has among the worse internet services in the world.

 

18 Responses to “Hon Mark H. Vanterpool in the big chair! ...is Acting Premier ”

  • Maria Ronzales Pena (11/06/2018, 21:42) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    Oooops oooops oooops oooops oooops I just pooops. Thank god it only temporary lol lol. Tissue!
  • Coconut Man (11/06/2018, 21:51) Like (38) Dislike (8) Reply
    So why is bald funny man not in charge???

    This speaks volumes on what is happening to the NDP.

    While the others out there trying to save the r@$$ country, he home undermining them with a set of school children melee.

    NDP doom under this man daddeh!
  • ccc (11/06/2018, 22:06) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
    Poor mvw he will never act
  • BVI In Trouuble (11/06/2018, 22:08) Like (35) Dislike (4) Reply
    Jesus take the wheel!! De Rat Minding the cheese!!!!!
  • ABC (11/06/2018, 22:11) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Lawd send help!
  • vex (11/06/2018, 22:20) Like (17) Dislike (5) Reply
    He better enjoy it while it last
  • Tupac (11/06/2018, 22:28) Like (39) Dislike (2) Reply
    I got my eyes on my money and my money on my mind.
  • Joe Rider (12/06/2018, 00:47) Like (12) Dislike (4) Reply
    Mark of the Beast. You cannot control what you are never willing to confront.
  • civil servant (12/06/2018, 08:32) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    people do not panic remember glenroy forbes is the FS so he would not allow any wrong doing
    • Ahhhhhhh (12/06/2018, 16:37) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Glenroy Forbes? are you sure about that? any wrong doing? all I am saying is, if someone have your back, you do not do or try to do them dirty. Nuff Said.
  • Seer (12/06/2018, 08:57) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
    Mark will have a new hotel and supermarket in another Caribbean country before the gang comes home. It's like leaving a toddler to watch the birthday cake.
  • -------------------- (12/06/2018, 09:36) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    This country needs lots of prayers!!! Hurry back Dr Smith
  • Political Observer (PO) (12/06/2018, 10:05) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is this a broad daylight snub of the MEC? Or does the NDP has a rotation system as to whom will act as Premier when both the Premier and Deputy Premier are out of the country? Doc has not indicated that he is stepping down so is this shot across the bow of the current party leader by the MEC a place coup? Is the MCW going to run for re-election? School chiren are talking.
  • just asking (12/06/2018, 12:46) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    So what happened to Skelton why isn’t he there instead of Mark
  • Mark my name (12/06/2018, 20:52) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ JUST ASKING. HE WAS PUT THERE TO MARK HIS NAME IN HISTORY class

    PRESENT TEACHER.
  • Just saying (13/06/2018, 12:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    By most of the comments, Mark is looking like a thief or con man.


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