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