'I travelled next to a dog in coach' to Guyana- Hon Smith
The response came following questions from the media during a press conference today, August 15, 2023, on the cost of the trade mission, “I want to pull out my [ticket]. I still have them… Look at the cost there. I mean, I traveled next to a dog.”
Hon Smith, with a smile, continued, “I mean right in the back of the plane next to a dog, and one was behind me,” she said while revealing that, in terms of the cost of the trip, the entire VI delegation from Government traveled coach and those from the private sector paid for their own travel.
"The interest of the private sector was evident by the thirteen members who accompanied me and who of course self-funded their travel and accommodation costs," the Deputy Premier disclosed.
While Hon Smith did not reveal the full cost of the trip, her response indicated that the cost on the public purse may have been kept as low as possible from a travel cost perspective.
Hon Smith even gave up her aisle seat in coach- Dr Dawson
Meanwhile, Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr the Honourable Karl Dawson (R1) indicated that Hon Smith was further accommodating by giving up her aisle seat to sit in the middle of coach, so he could have the aisle.
“I just like to add, just on the side to say, I was so honoured that the Honourable Deputy Premier gave up her aisle seat to me and she sat in the middle,” he joked.
Meanwhile, as part of the press conference, the Deputy Premier shared details of the mission and divulged areas where the VI and Guyana can collaborate and share expertise in areas such as agriculture, fisheries, financial services, and tourism amongst other areas.
As a commitment to a mutual relationship between the VI and Guyana, Deputy Premier Hon Smith also revealed that she is confident that a lifting of visa requirements for Guyanese travelling to the VI will happen soon and with little bureaucracy, however, she said it is now a matter for the VI Cabinet.
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26 Responses to “'I travelled next to a dog in coach' to Guyana- Hon Smith ”
I had to sit next to a Dog.in Coach. Seat.
Remember that we sometimes say the correct things INTENTIONALLY, and if you or anybody doubt me , let's play the Election's Tape once more for Clarification.
Moreover, Ministers of government have to be sensitive and diplomatic in representing the territory. IMO, the Hon Smith should have just said she travelled coach and left the dog out. Instead, she took the political route, trying to gain voter acceptance.