Local News
Dismissed Deputy Premier Lorna Smith Notified of Removal via Letter from Premier
Dismissed Deputy Premier Lorna Smith OBE stated that she was notified of her removal from the government via a letter on Tuesday morning, October 23, from Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley.
In a statement to the media regarding her upcoming press conference, she said, “At approximately 8:00 a.m. this morning, I received a letter from the Hon Premier stating he requested that His
Excellency the Governor revoke my appointment as Deputy Premier and Minister of Financial Services, Labour and Trade.”
In a virtual statement on Tuesday morning, the Premier thanked Smith for her service, adding, “I do so with a heavy heart. She did not give me the confidence that she would remain with my administration for the duration of this term.”
Former Virgin Islands Party (VIP) member and Third District representative Julian Fraser has now taken on the role of Deputy Premier. Fraser remains the chairman of the Progressives United party but has aligned himself with the Virgin Islands Party, where he was a longtime member.
Governor David Pruce signed the instruments of appointment on Tuesday, and Fraser was officially sworn in.
The Premier emphasised that “this is a necessary change to the composition of the government that provides my administration with political stability and a wealth of knowledge and experience which will serve us well over the course of the remainder of this House of Assembly. Political stability is critical at this time to ensure we finalise the completion of governance reforms and effectively address the recommendations of the mutual evaluation report.”
Smith, who won the Territorial-At-Large vote for the National Democratic Party (NDP) in the April 2023 general elections, had previously switched her allegiance to assist the ruling VIP in forming a government. She also held the portfolio for Financial Services, Labour, and Trade.
Having resigned from the NDP, the former first lady is now an independent opposition member.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is actively searching for three suspects who fled after an attempted home invasion in Cocodella on Monday afternoon.
Officers responded to a report of the incident shortly after 3 p.m. today, December 2. Upon arrival, they encountered four armed individuals. Shots were exchanged during the confrontation, resulting in the arrest of one suspect. The individual is currently in custody at the Road Town Police Station and is assisting with investigations.
The remaining suspects escaped on foot, with one believed to have sustained injuries during the encounter. Despite extensive searches, they have not been located.
The RVIPF has launched a full investigation and is appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-8477 (TIPS) or from overseas at (284) 800-8477. Information can also be provided to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.
All tips will be treated with strict confidentiality as authorities work to bring the suspects to justice.
A South African national was charged with manslaughter following a tragic marine collision that claimed the life of 39-year-old Stephen Cross Jr.
Lesley Joubert, 36, was taken into custody by officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) as part of their investigation into the incident. He appeared before the Magistrate’s Court and was granted bail set at $120,000 in cash. Joubert is expected to return to court on Tuesday, 11 February 2025.
The tragic event occurred on the evening of Friday, 22 November, near Saba Rock. Initial reports indicate that a 21-foot rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) collided with a dinghy, causing severe injuries to Mr. Cross, a resident of St. Thomas, USVI.
Cross was rushed to the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic before being transferred to the Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital for advanced treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries.
As investigations continue, the authorities have urged members of the public with any information relevant to the case to come forward.
The RVIPF assured the public that comprehensive investigations are underway to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the accident.
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