‘You can’t get more than 2 bags of groceries for close to $200’- Lorna G. Smith
She said the challenges the VI is facing are often manifested at the local supermarkets.
“You know, you go to a supermarket these days, you can’t get more than two groceries bags for close to $200. These things are impacting the Virgin Islands,” Mrs Smith said, in reference to global events affecting the Virgin Islands, including the war in Ukraine.
Mrs Smith was at the time a guest on The Big Story on JTV on February 22, 2023, when she announced to host Cathy O. Richards that she will be contesting the 2023 General Election as an At Large Candidate but is yet to decide whether with an established political party or as an Independent.
‘I have proven that I can do what needs to be done’- Lorna G. Smith
Meanwhile, Mrs Smith, the wife of former Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith, OBE, said a lot needs to be done in the VI for it to continue to be a global competitor in financial services and that she can especially offer her experience and expertise in that area, although she pointed out that her knowledge is not limited to financial services.
She also said she is passionate about education and young people.
“I am not just passionate. I have proven that I can do what needs to be done in those areas, education.”
Mrs Smith said she was tasked by the late Chief Minister H. Lavity Stoutt to coordinate the development of the now H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) and that she did so successfully.
‘I myself lost my home’ in Irma
She said infrastructure is another area that needs to be looked at, as well as Climate Change, and noted that the experience of Hurricane Irma has led her to advocate strongly in the area of Climate Change.
“I was there when it [Irma] happened. I myself lost my home, so I knew what it felt like, But I didn’t sit and mourn. I made sure, that in terms of both the restoration of homes for British Virgin Islanders, as well as our Financial Services, stayed afloat.
She said while tourism was negatively impacted, because of her knowledge of financial services, she was able to work with other people to make sure Financial Services remained intact and also had a hand in the courts to operate virtually following Irma.
Among other accomplishments, Mrs Smith said she started the Hong Kong Office.
‘I have stood up’ for the VI internationally
“I also started the London Office and, of course, that has been a significant success to the British Virgin Islands.
“I have represented the British Virgin Islands and I have stood up for the British Virgin Islands internationally."
Mrs Smith continued that she is the first person to be selected to head the BVI International Finance Centre, which is now renamed BVI Finance.
“And so I am steeped, if you want to call it that, in financial services, but I am not only about financial services, let me say.”
The former First Lady reminded that she served as a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and also in the Chief Minister’s Office (now Premier’s Office) and also worked in Tourism, including as a Member of the BVI Tourist Board of Directors for over five years.
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38 Responses to “‘You can’t get more than 2 bags of groceries for close to $200’- Lorna G. Smith”
Where she buying food say she ain’t getting two bags for $200? She buying fancy sh**.
When you were the co captain you didn’t know all this and now you want to come remind us about the price of food? Do you even go to the stores? Have you ever pushed a cart in a store in the past ten years?
Port fees went up 100% last year. Freight costs were increased because of fuel costs. We pay duty on the freight. This is why the prices are so high is the Government duty rates and structures on food make no sense. So there is no argument on price lied at the feet of the government.
Change all meat and seafood prices to 5%, Then this will have a massive drop in prices in the supermarket. Drop the warfage back to 1% or use the funds to build the infrastructore the port needs like a warehouse to keep the items out the sun and rain.
There is a lot going on in the background which effect the price locally but need to understand how it all stake up on the consumer
I am so glad you both this to the forefront. When government is in competition with farms, fishermen, entrepreneurs and the local supermarket it makes you wonder. The same old talk brings insanity. I just need to hear the action plans for the road to be fixed immediately for the first 100 day of the new party ruling. I need to see the airport become international with international flights, I need to see the expat get themselves straightened up, the fisherman get access to local loans from local banks, farmers being able to understand there are level of farmers and they need access to duty free items.
Here are a few things young people need to build a better BVI, access to housing ,so remove the down payment or reduce it to 2%, this can begin growth in housing. Employment, enterprise, innovation to push ideas for development. I am waiting to see the best plans, don’t tell me there is a manifesto, show me the plan, as no one will get my family votes until I see those action plan.
I wish you well but unfortunately for these VI they do not deserve an elected Rep such as yourself. The new VI cannot appreciate quality in anything.They will put in Office what they deserve and continue the downward spiral and Mashup reflective of the new VI,another putrid addition to the Caribbean Island chain.
Last but not least, where is all this new young blood sitting, who are they, and, what is their experience.
This lady would be the first professional leader this country has had, and, know full well all the mistakes that have been made, and, who made them.
She is the breath of fresh air you are actually looking for sitting right here in our midst.
So you didn’t see this all when YOUR HUSBAND was Premier!???
So you telling us that the high cost of living only happen AFTER he come out???
Lorna if you know what good for you!
We are just moving the chairs.