No need for Protocols to be renegotiated – Hon. Mark Simmonds
![[L-R] Hon. Mark Simmonds, Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith, Governor Boyd McCleary. Photo:VINO](https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/cache/images/800x_o_OT_Mark_Simmonds_Premier_Orlando_Gov_Boyd.jpg)
In a joint press conference which included Premier, Dr. The Honourable D. Orlando Smith OBE and Governor Boyd McCleary held at Government House yesterday, October 23, 2012 Hon. Simmonds related that if at some point in the future the Premier or his successors say that there may be a need to revisit the Protocols, then that is something either himself or his successors can look at but it was not something he felt was appropriate for today.
The Hon. Minister indicated that his role was “not to get involved in the day to day running” of the finances of the Virgin Islands (VI) as there were separate protocols set up for that specific aspect.
He further stated that the only time he would get involved would be in a situation where the VI wished to “deviate from those protocols” such as in the instance of acquiring financial assistance or support from the UK in ventures such as the airport expansion project.
With regard to a perception that his predecessors had taken political sides locally while not being in touch with local realities, Hon. Simmonds revealed that he was “certainly not in the business of taking political sides”.
He stated that he had met not only with the Premier Dr the Hon. D. Orlando Smith, but also with Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal as well. He indicated that this was necessary to obtain a balanced view of the “political perception” in the VI.
Hon. Simmonds said his view is to put mechanisms in place to assist the people of the VI and stressed that he would do this with the Premier and his colleagues since they were the democratically elected government of the VI along with the Governor as the UK’s representative on the ground.
He offered the assurance that he will follow development extremely closely and was very interested in the VI and making sure that its economy continues to grow, its society continues to develop and that the VI becomes an even better place to live over the years.
When asked to delve further into what he may have discussed with Hon. O’Neal, Hon. Simmonds said “I don’t want to go into detail about our private conversation.” He did reveal however, that just as the Premier has the best interest of the future of the VI, he felt that the Leader of the Opposition also had the best interest of the future of the VI at heart.
Hon. Dr. Smith earlier stated that he was honoured to have Hon. Simmonds in the Territory and congratulated him on his appointment. The Minister departs the Territory today October 24, 2012 for Anguilla.
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24 Responses to “No need for Protocols to be renegotiated – Hon. Mark Simmonds ”
If the VIP was in we would have never be in this position!!! people next elections we must never ever again be put in the position the NDP placed us in with these protocols… I will work to ensure there will never be a NDP government again come next elections.
The lesson should be once we are overseas never play this low down dumb politics with the future of our country and our children children...NEVER AGAIN can the NDP get my vote, look we cannot ever get the cruise ship project and airport off the track to give me little work.