Local News
Bethsaida Smith-Hanley Appointed House of Assembly Clerk
Mrs. Bethsaida Smith-Hanley has assumed the role of Clerk, in the House of Assembly effective December 31, 2023.
As Clerk, Mrs. Smith-Hanley who brings a wealth of experience from her extensive Public Service career, is set to spearhead the daily operations of the House of Assembly.
She will be responsible for overseeing various crucial aspects, including the coordination of official functions, management of House of Assembly sittings, preparation of Order Papers, and supervision of all staff within the Office of the House of Assembly.
Mrs. Smith-Hanley’s career trajectory, marked by her recent roles as Assistant Secretary in the Cabinet Office and Acting Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles, reflects her passion for leadership and administrative excellence in the Public Service.
Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer Jr., expressed confidence in Mrs. Smith-Hanley’s capabilities, stating, “Her appointment as the Clerk of the House of Assembly is a forward advancement as we continue to transform the Public Service. Her extensive experience has well-prepared her for success in this pivotal role.”
Mrs. Smith-Hanley, in response to her appointment, conveyed her delight and gratitude, emphasizing the vital role the Clerk plays in the legislative work of the Government. She expressed pride in contributing to the parliamentary functions crucial to the effective functioning of the House of Assembly.
Highlighting her academic achievements, Mrs. Smith-Hanley holds a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management with a concentration in Project Management from DeVry University, a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the Keller Graduate School of Management, and the Level 7 Diploma from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
The mission of the Office of the House of Assembly under Mrs. Smith-Hanley’s stewardship is to provide essential support services for Members, ensuring the smooth exercise of their parliamentary functions.
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Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
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