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UPDATE: Dawn J. Smith In! Baba F. Aziz Out! as AG

On the heels of Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) announcing that a Virgin Islander will be the new Attorney General, replacing Ghanaian Mr Baba F. Aziz, sources close to the situation have related to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that the local identified for the post is attorney Dawn J. Smith. Photo: VINO/GIS/File
A Virgin Islander has selected for the post of Attorney General of the Virgin Islands, Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has disclosed. Photo: VINO/File
A Virgin Islander has selected for the post of Attorney General of the Virgin Islands, Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has disclosed. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said he could not yet disclose the name of the Virgin Islander appointed to the Attorney General's post due to confidentiality reasons. Photo: Facebook
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said he could not yet disclose the name of the Virgin Islander appointed to the Attorney General's post due to confidentiality reasons. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- On the heels of Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) announcing that a Virgin Islander will be the new Attorney General, replacing Ghanaian Mr Baba F. Aziz, sources close to the situation have related to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) that the local identified for the post is attorney Dawn J. Smith.

Premier Fahie had made the announcement during remarks at the contract signing ceremony for repair works to the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex today, May 15, 2020, but had stopped short of disclosing the name of the local person, citing confidentiality reasons.

Our sources familiar with the matter; however, have since indicated to our newsroom that Ms Smith, a former Director of the BVI London House, is the local person selected.

Who is Dawn J. Smith?

Ms Smith, an indigenous Virgin Islander and attorney, is a former Director of Legal and Enforcement Division of the Financial Services Commission and a Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office.

She was admitted as a Barrister of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (Virgin Islands) and holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts (Cum Laude) from Middlebury College - Vermont, USA, a Bachelor of Laws (Upper Second Class Honours) from the University of the West Indies - Cave Hill Campus, Barbados and a Certificate of Legal Education from the Norman Manley Law School – Kingston, Jamaica.

Ms Smith, the sister of former Financial Secretary, Mr Neil M. Smith, is a member of the BVI Bar Association, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is a founding member of the BVI Chapter of the Caribbean Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

See previous article published May 15, 2020

VIslander named to AG post- Premier Fahie discloses

A Virgin Islander has been selected for the post of Attorney General (AG) of the Virgin Islands, Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has disclosed.

According to the Premier, during remarks at the contract signing ceremony for repair works to the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex today, May 15, 2020, Hon Fahie said he was elated at being privy to documents indicating that a local will be filling the AG post.

He noted; however, while he was elated, he could not disclose the name of that person at this time due to confidentiality reasons.

“We continue to plant good seeds and we have to nurture those seeds,” adding that the seeds wouldn’t grow tomorrow “but you have to trust the process.”

Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) also expressed delight at a local being selected for the Attorney General’s post.

VIslander can hold Post – Premier Fahie

It was during the Second Sitting of the Second Session of The Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) on December 13, 2019, that Hon Fahie signalled that the contract for Attorney General Baba F. Aziz would not be renewed and that Government was looking to have the position filled by a Virgin Islander.

Mr Aziz’s contract was scheduled to end in February 2020.

“I know most likely this will be the AG’s last budget with us, cause I know that his contract ends in February. But I want to thank him from the NDP [National Democratic Party] Government to our Government, for the service that he has rendered to the people of the Virgin Islands,” Hon Fahie had said.

The Premier had continued, “and we want to make sure that… once it’s the end, that he has held the fort for us, because we know the constitution allows for a BVIslander to hold the post… and he has served the post tremendously well."

Baba F. Aziz

Effective February 10, 2015, Mr Aziz, a native of Ghana, was appointed to the post of Attorney General in the Attorney General's Chambers under the then NDP government, according to the Government Information Service (GIS). Amongst his various roles, he served as the Chief Legal Advisor to the Government as established by the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.

He also served in an advisory role as a member of Cabinet, the National Security Council, the House of Assembly and the prerogative of Mercy Committee as well as being responsible for managing the administration and activities of the Attorney General’s Chambers.

“So once that is the case Mr Speaker, we want to thank him in his office and whoever comes also for what they have done… In the spirit of all of this, we have done a lot of work but yet a lot more work to do,” Hon Fahie had told the House. 

53 Responses to “UPDATE: Dawn J. Smith In! Baba F. Aziz Out! as AG”

  • great news (15/05/2020, 15:00) Like (64) Dislike (50) Reply
    Yes we didn’t need no outsider holding that spot we have smart local people
  • WOWW (15/05/2020, 15:01) Like (45) Dislike (25) Reply
    Let them take that we don’t need them holding no big position here.
  • ... (15/05/2020, 15:02) Like (38) Dislike (18) Reply
    good move we have people here
  • raoreution (15/05/2020, 15:20) Like (27) Dislike (32) Reply
    he went against the Speaker and Fahie over Mark so he must go
  • Youth (15/05/2020, 15:23) Like (29) Dislike (12) Reply
    By time
  • My Take (15/05/2020, 15:26) Like (40) Dislike (26) Reply
    It is time a Virgin Islander gets a chance in this job. I hope the dictator Governor do not block this like he blocks all locals.
  • Local (15/05/2020, 15:28) Like (9) Dislike (8) Reply
    emmm the last local AG was not very good monies missing, hope they are a NDP supporter for balance
    • tretretrete (16/05/2020, 01:43) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Who may that be? We have not have a virgin islander in that post since Dancia but i stand corrected.
  • Diaspora (15/05/2020, 15:44) Like (21) Dislike (37) Reply
    Hon Premier, we know you were elated on the selection of a qualified local to the position of AG but why you could not have waited until all the I’s were dotted and T’s crossed before letting the cat out of the proverbial bag somewhat. This revelation takes away from the moment whenever the official announcement. The curiosity and the high of the anticipation balloon is now deflated.

    Thanks and best wishes to Baba Aziz for his service to the territory; it was a tough job. Good luck to him as he embarks on a new endeavor(s).

    Success does not happen by accident. Thomas Edison is credited with, ‘success is 10% aspiration and 90% perspiration.’ Since the name of the apparent appointee is not known to the public at this point, congratulations will be held in abeyance until an official announcement is made. It would be awkward to do otherwise.
    • Diaspora (15/05/2020, 19:53) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      Dawn J. Smith, congratulations on your selection as Attorney General of the VI. It is well-deserved and confident that you will perform well and make the VI proud.
  • Baldhead (15/05/2020, 15:53) Like (2) Dislike (10) Reply
    who da man or woman
  • Don't Mention It (15/05/2020, 16:04) Like (8) Dislike (12) Reply
    Premier, if you were not in a position to name the person, why mention it?

    Now, I want to know now even though I didn't know before now that I wanted to know who it is now.
  • lol (15/05/2020, 16:08) Like (27) Dislike (9) Reply
    Myron and the gang vex
    • @LOL (15/05/2020, 18:03) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
      I have to very much agree. Of course the gang is seething about now.
  • musa (15/05/2020, 17:34) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great choice happy for her
  • W T F (15/05/2020, 17:42) Like (14) Dislike (7) Reply
    It have been far to many years between Lady Penn as AG and now Lady Smith as AG, and this should never happen again: who vex vex but we need to return people of the Virgin Islands to substantive post in the Virgin Islands: Her Majesty’s Prison and the Chief of Police were once held by VI People; we moved away from Mr Frett and Mr Frazer and Mr Malone: Thank God Virgin Islands Party saw it fit to put Ports back in the hands of VI People: Mr Politician you guys need to start paying our people the same big checks per month as the documented workers along with all those various monthly allowances....keep the faith
    • ByPartisan (16/05/2020, 07:18) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Got your point however the Police Force and the Prison were headed by "one ah we" but were things different than they are now? While I strongly agree that B.V Islanders should be given the opportunity to hold most, if not all of the strategic positions in the Territory. Birthright should not be the only qualification to attain any local post. Our people should now strive to make themselves marketable through education. Only then can we demand top job positions. The problem is at times when we achieve this feat, we are afraid to make sound decisions since we are afraid to offend our own people. This has been the downfall of many of us. Ms. Smith has given herself that chance through her qualifications. She deserved to hold the Post of A.G. Some will love her others will not. The matters of the Territory are more important. Congratulation Lady!
      • @ by partisan (16/05/2020, 17:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        do you have any idea the number of men and women born in the territory holding down key positions in the United States of Amercia and I am speaking from back in the 70s: some will recall When the Right Honourable RT Oneal was Chief Minister and certain post became open he made contact with those residing overseas and offer them the position(take it or leave it): I am not speaking about modern day Tortola because history recall Dr Daniel Orlando Smith Chief Medical Officer: Ronie W Skelton BVI Electricity Company: Mr Robert Mactavious Financial Services and Mrs Antony Skelton Social Security and they all did marvellously towards what I call modern day BVI(all Tortola people) When there are key positions up for grabs in this territory try make some phone calls: Afraid to offend, not sure about that because I was doing a project and I got grilled like an old-wife, I called a white friend and that project moved forward and still functional to this day
      • Trying (17/05/2020, 11:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        like the fiasco at the Supreme Court?
  • soo (15/05/2020, 17:53) Like (40) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulation Miss Smith!
  • andrew (15/05/2020, 18:27) Like (41) Dislike (15) Reply
    Andrew........he nah go now where ...the next lavity......
    • Potato Salad (15/05/2020, 22:30) Like (5) Dislike (29) Reply
      Please don't make us the sensible voting public puke! Andrew could never walk in that man's shoes.
  • Pull up (15/05/2020, 18:55) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    Mr Man will stay right here and open is own law practice, the magic of these little islands
  • Pull up (15/05/2020, 18:55) Like (4) Dislike (9) Reply
    Mr Man will stay right here and open is own law practice, the magic of these little islands
  • old (15/05/2020, 19:08) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    Good move his time up He there to long
  • The TRUTH (15/05/2020, 19:08) Like (26) Dislike (7) Reply
    VIP All the dam way
  • yeah (15/05/2020, 19:56) Like (0) Dislike (12) Reply
    Another Virgin Islander forced out...
  • Newsflash (15/05/2020, 20:01) Like (4) Dislike (17) Reply
    Ex-AG's in the BVI don't leave the BVI they just open their own law firm here and continue their legal battles against the inexperienced replacement AG.
  • GG (15/05/2020, 20:49) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Thats the mind of comments some of you have for your brother from Africa .....wowwww
  • Just saying (15/05/2020, 21:00) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Only vip believe In locals
  • Norris Turnbull (15/05/2020, 22:00) Like (26) Dislike (3) Reply
    Get strong people to head up Immigration, labour and Customs.
  • Bigups (15/05/2020, 22:19) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats Dawn.

    Just don’t take any more expensive detours like all that arbitration stuff you pushed at great time and expense. No more white elephants.
    • Jane (19/05/2020, 16:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Personally a massive fan of Dawn Smith. She is smart and canny and no-body's fool. One of the most impressive BVIslanders I have had the privilege to meet in my 10+ years on island.

      The Arbitration Centre has not worked out yet, but some would say its still early days. What it has done is given Tortola a brilliant conferencing facility for the business community. This was badly needed and seems to be well used. Arbitration was a "big idea" and you know what, she made sure it got implemented. We need people here that not just talk the talk but walk the walk, we need visionaries and Dawn is one of those people. I hope Dawn will one day be Premier, she would do an amazing job.
  • lol (15/05/2020, 22:44) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    VINO name should change to VINOLEAK
  • print this next election day (15/05/2020, 22:46) Like (1) Dislike (38) Reply
    Myron in Andrew out
  • Commom sence (16/05/2020, 00:27) Like (0) Dislike (11) Reply
    U all so stupid this is not a vip or ndp ting they could suggest but the gov has the last say
    • @common sense (16/05/2020, 09:37) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      Your statement is exactly why we need Constitutional reform. The one man show of a Governor who is not held accountable needs to be done away with. These are modern times and we all should have the same rights.
      • @@@ common sense (16/05/2020, 19:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        The NDP hands were so dirty while in political office when the governor said jump they asked how hight: somewhat shameful as a developing society in 2020 and still have to rely on the UK Rep to validate our progress is something else, what is the way forward, I don’t see the governor as our stumbling block because as a people we should be the masters of our own destiny but we are far to busy with trivial matters; we need to focus on the development of Home Affairs; as an example after the 2017 hurricanes we full speed with tourism along comes covid 19 and we right back to square one; Again we will loose the projected income from cruise vessels however the British Virgin Islands have 200 nautical miles of sea water and acres of farm lands: our sea water is used by foreign developers and our crop lands uses to construct private villages aka private villas....wake up and live let’s get back to fishing and farming not weed but crops that all the residents of this territory can benefit from
  • Intel. Analysis (16/05/2020, 04:59) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Congratulations to Ms. Dawn J. Smith and her Family. It is certainly not an easy task. To elect to take such a weighty task on your shoulders speaks volumes of your courage. The post is not an easy one and at times, you will be caught between opposing forces, each vying for your "stamp of approval". Step up to the bar and make your country proud. Your decisions should be based on Law and the Constitution of the Virgin Islands. They should be done putting the Country first. Do not be infected by bitterness or hatred that is swarming around you even now. Do not be used as a tool for revenge. Allow God to guide you daily as you have done most if not all of your life. Your appointment to this post is certainly a memorial one as you are the second (forgive me if I am wrong) B.V Islander to attain this honor. Congrats once again.
  • BIG M (16/05/2020, 06:06) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Good move Governor. We need you to work on getting a local to filled the COP spot also the Pridon
  • We in trouble (16/05/2020, 07:26) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    He was never impressive... At the end of the day its all about results.. the last local wasnt produce results.. Just good talk..Wish the New AG well.. Thank the out going one for his time... We need results, Come to make a difference..Sometimes you will have to go against your boss "The Government" on behalf of the people and whats right and Just. We will be watching..
  • Yes (16/05/2020, 10:30) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please as a woman dont you be intimidatedby whats around you stand firm in belife and the law for the betterment of your country..... i have seen you grow as a young woman and a firm beliver in jesus christ..raised by two wonderfull parents... i am confident you will do a good jod. Remember to consult you good consions and the master in.making whar is good and what is bad. Remember its not a bout you ., its your / our coountry..may gid bleesd you in your new endevours
  • Yes (16/05/2020, 17:10) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Excellent choice. Congrats Ms. Smitb.
  • ReX FeRal (17/05/2020, 09:57) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Thanks for service but he wasn't good for the Virgin Islands.
  • Former Teacher (17/05/2020, 21:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am feeling extremely proud today to hear that two of my top Home Economics students have bee appointed prestigious positions in their respective fields .
    Congrats and I know that you will make. the BVI proud


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