In the wake of public speculation and media reports surrounding the closure of Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, Junior Minister for Financial Services and former Minister for Financial Services, Labour & Trade, Hon. Lorna Smith, OBE, has issued a public statement rejecting allegations of impropriety and affirming her distance from operational or regulatory decisions concerning the bank.

“I had no such authority, gave no such instruction,” Smith declared, addressing claims that she directed government funds into the bank prior to its collapse. “I categorically deny the claim.”

Smith, who said that she is a former non-executive director and Deputy Chair of the bank’s board, said that she served in a governance role from around 2019 until her resignation in April 2023, months before entering public office. She stated that her role was limited to strategic oversight and compliance and that she was never involved in the bank’s daily operations.

The Junior minister also rejected reports suggesting she received a $15,000 monthly salary, calling the claim inaccurate. “All directors were approved to receive quarterly compensation,” she stated. “That figure is simply incorrect.”

Responding to accusations of regulatory interference, Smith underscored the statutory independence of both the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Virgin Islands Deposit Insurance Corporation (VIDIC), the two agencies responsible for oversight of the financial sector and the bank’s resolution. “I have never issued instructions to either regulator concerning the Bank of Asia or any other regulated entity,” she said. She also pointed out that VIDIC falls under the portfolio of the Premier and Minister of Finance, not her ministry.

Addressing reports of internal conflict, Smith said she had met VIDIC’s CEO, Lisa Violet, only twice—once during a courtesy call in late 2024, and once during a virtual group meeting. “I categorically refute any suggestion of tension, conflict, or obstruction,” she stated.

On broader allegations of personal enrichment, Smith issued a firm denial. “Any claim that I have used public office for personal gain, or to benefit friends, family, or associates, is defamatory and wholly unsubstantiated,” she said.

In closing, Smith urged for higher standards in media reporting and emphasized the importance of protecting the reputation of the Virgin Islands’ financial services sector. “The publication of false, exaggerated, or speculative claims undermines our jurisdiction,” she said. “I will not be deterred by baseless attacks or misinformation.”

She added that if defamatory reporting continues without correction, she reserves all legal rights and remedies available to her.

Members of the Alliance in the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands have issued a collective call for national unity and reflection amid a troubling rise in gun violence across the Territory, stressing that the situation must not be allowed to become the norm.

“The challenges we now confront are not normal, and we must never allow them to become the norm in our beloved Territory,” the Alliance said in a statement. “No family, no child, no community walks away untouched by the fear and psychological impact of such violence.”

The Alliance emphasised that the crisis is not defined by a single incident but reflects a growing pattern of firearm use that threatens to destabilise society. They warned that this violence is eroding the foundations of law and order, creating an environment where families live in constant fear.

“This is not normal, and it is not acceptable,” the statement continued, calling for a united national response. “Now, more than ever, we must come together in a national chorus of peace and unity.”

To address the escalating violence, the Alliance has renewed its call for a comprehensive National Crime Reduction Strategy, which they said must involve coordinated efforts by the Government and various stakeholders. The strategy, they argued, should balance strict law enforcement with robust social support, economic opportunities, and sustainable, community-based interventions aimed at reducing the root causes of crime.

The Alliance also called for immediate legislative amendments to close what they described as a critical gap in the Territory’s legal framework. They pointed out that while the possession of a firearm currently carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, possession of ammunition or explosives is subject to a much lighter penalty—a $500 fine or six months’ imprisonment.

“It is not logical to assume that an individual in possession of ammunition or explosives has no access to a firearm,” the Alliance said, calling for the penalties to be brought in line with those for firearm possession, including a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

They also stressed the importance of proactive community support, including youth outreach, trauma support for survivors, and significant investment in crime-fighting resources.

“We refuse to accept a future where parents are afraid to let their children play outside or where families live in fear of preventable acts of violence,” the statement said.

The Alliance ended their message with a call for unity, encouraging residents to come forward with any information that could assist law enforcement in addressing the recent surge in violence.

“The fight against gun violence goes beyond legislation; it is about saving lives, restoring peace, and securing the future of the Virgin Islands for generations to come,” they said.

Three members of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition met with His Excellency, Governor Daniel Pruce, on Monday, April 28, to raise what they described as “serious concerns” regarding the recently published Criminal Law Enforcement Review and the Commission of Inquiry.

The two-hour meeting was attended by Hon. Myron Walwyn, Leader of the Opposition and Sixth District Representative; Hon. Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull, Second District Representative; and Hon. Stacy Mather, At-Large Representative and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly. The Opposition members said the meeting was a vital opportunity to present the views of Virgin Islands residents at the highest level of government.

“We were glad for this opportunity to raise concerns from the public with respect to the Criminal Law Enforcement Review,” Hon. Walwyn said in a statement issued after the meeting. “His Excellency listened intently and gave us the assurance that the concerns raised on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands will be given much consideration.”

Among the key issues raised was the Opposition’s strong disagreement with a recommendation that the Governor re-specify his powers under Section 60 of the Virgin Islands Constitution. That section outlines the Governor’s authority over external affairs, defense, internal security, and the public service.

The Opposition also objected to a proposal that would transfer responsibility for customs and immigration from the local government to the Governor’s office. They insisted that these matters remain under the control of locally elected officials.

Additionally, members voiced firm opposition to any suggestion that sea ports and airports on the sister islands be closed — a recommendation they argue would severely impact the local economy and increase the vulnerability of residents in those areas.

“The matters addressed in the Criminal Law Enforcement Review have significant implications for the governance and the future of law enforcement in our territory,” the Opposition said in a joint statement. “It is therefore critical that the voice of the people is heard and carefully considered in any reforms that are proposed.”

The meeting comes as Virgin Islands authorities continue to weigh a series of recommendations emerging from both the law enforcement review and the 2022 Commission of Inquiry, which examined allegations of corruption and poor governance.

Opposition members said they remain committed to ensuring that “transparency, fairness, and respect for the rights and aspirations of the Virgin Islands people remain at the forefront of any ongoing or future reforms.”

Governor Pruce has not yet issued a public statement regarding the meeting.