Local News
Premier Wheatley’s Allegations of Insufficient COI Support Lack Merit: Says Smith
Lorna Smith OBE, dismissed as Deputy Premier by Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley on Wednesday morning, has strongly refuted his allegations of her insufficient support for the administration’s Commission of Inquiry (CoI) obligations, stating they lack merit.
“The Premier in his letter to me cited a lack of support in relation to COI obligations as one of the reasons for my removal. However, if you have followed my work since being sworn in as Minister, it is evident that the accusations hold no merit,” Smith said at her October 23 press conference, held just hours after Wheatley announced via social media that former Virgin Islands Party (VIP) member Julian Fraser had been sworn in as Deputy Premier.
The former Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade revealed that she was notified of her dismissal via a letter received around 8 a.m. while she was at work in her office.
Smith, who won the Territorial-At-Large seat with the National Democratic Party (NDP) in the April 2023 elections, previously switched allegiance to give the Virgin Islands Party a majority to form a government.
A composed former First Lady emphasised that her “record speaks for itself,” noting, “under my leadership, my ministry, along with its hard working team, has met all COI deadlines, fulfilling every obligation within the required timeframe.”
“The Premier’s reasoning is simply untrue, and I believe that it is imperative that he be honest with the people about his true motives rather than fabricating baseless claims.”
Wheatley in his public statement thanked Smith for her service, adding that “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.”
The head of the territory added: “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 completion of governance reforms, effectively address the recommendations of the mutual evaluation report.”
At the end of August, Governor David Pruce announced that the government had missed the deadline for implementing key reforms outlined in the 2021 Commission of Inquiry Report, which exposed widespread corruption within the administration.
The CoI was initiated by former Governor Augustus Jaspert in January 2021, and a year later, Commissioner Sir Gary Hickinbottom presented a comprehensive 900-page report detailing significant corruption and recommending a partial constitutional suspension to facilitate essential governance reforms.
But Premier Wheatley in August assured the territory that 45 of the 48 proposed reforms had been completed, promising that the remaining changes would be finalised within a week.
Tensions continue regarding the territory’s political future, as the United Kingdom has warned that failure to implement the reforms could lead to the retention of the Order in Council, potentially resulting in a two-year constitutional suspension.
The former Deputy Premier shared that “despite the difficult economic challenges we face, my focus has always been on strengthening our economy while supporting the government in meeting its obligations.”
She made it clear to Premier Wheatley upon switching sides that “I was here to serve the people of the Virgin Islands, not to serve political interests.
“The truth is I have never wavered in my commitment to the Virgin Islands and its people. When I made the decision to join the government, my singular focus was the continued development of our territory. I was transparent about my intentions then, and I remain steadfast in that mission now.”
“It is exactly what I have done up until this point,” Smith said, highlighting several key achievements during her tenure as Minister, including a successful response to the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) mutual evaluation report, the launch of the Financial Services Solution Programme, and the establishment of the First Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme.
She also led a trade mission to Guyana and Asia and co-chaired the UK Overseas Territories Economic Dialogue, the first of its kind.
“My recent efforts, particularly our successful response to the CFATF mutual evaluation report, have been recognised both locally and internationally, and I am proud of what we have achieved together,” Smith said.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is reporting sharp increases in several categories of criminal activity for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, underscoring ongoing challenges facing law enforcement and the wider community.
According to data released by the RVIPF, cases of Damaging Property rose by 75 percent, with 24 more incidents recorded than in the same timeframe in 2024. Theft of Motor Vehicles saw a 47 percent uptick, reflecting 8 additional reports year-over-year. Meanwhile, Minor Assaults climbed by 25 percent, with 18 more reported cases than in the first quarter of last year.
Authorities say that a significant portion of the increases in Damaging Property and Minor Assaults stem from domestic dispute incidents, signaling a troubling pattern that extends beyond traditional policing and requires a broader societal response.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool stressed the need for collaboration across all sectors of society.
“We urge the community to remain vigilant and work with the RVIPF to sustain these hard-won gains,” said Vanterpool. “Together, we must reverse the concerning trends in robberies, minor assaults, and other areas, to ensure long-term safety and security across the Territory. The issues underpinning our crime situation are complex and will require sustained efforts to ensure long-term gains. Everyone has a role to play in this fight.”
The RVIPF reaffirmed its commitment to targeted policing strategies and stronger public engagement. Police officials also called for continued support from social services, volunteer organizations, and civic groups, emphasizing that reducing crime — especially those rooted in domestic situations — requires a unified and sustained effort.
The Force is appealing to the public for information that can assist ongoing investigations. Citizens can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or share tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or overseas at (284) 800-8477.
A record number of utility companies and businesses have registered for the 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo, set to take place on Sunday, April 27, in Tortola. Hosted for the first time by the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), the event will be held on the grounds behind the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex in Road Town. With 14 utility companies and eight private sector participants confirmed, this year’s rodeo marks the largest gathering in the event’s history. Held under the theme “Informed. Empowered. Safe.”, the rodeo will bring together teams from across the region for a day of competition, skill-building, and camaraderie.
The confirmed utility companies represent a broad cross-section of the Caribbean and include Anguilla Electricity Company Ltd. (Anguilla), Antigua Public Utilities Authority (Antigua), Bahamas Power and Light (Bahamas), Barbados Light & Power Company (Barbados), Belize Electricity Limited (Belize), British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (British Virgin Islands), Grenada Electricity Services Ltd. (Grenada), N.V. Elmar (Aruba), N.V. GEBE (St. Maarten), Nevis Electricity Company Ltd. (Nevis), St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd. (St. Kitts), St. Lucia Electricity Services Ltd. (St. Lucia), St. Vincent Electricity Services Ltd. (St. Vincent), and Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (U.S. Virgin Islands), which is also a Gold Sponsor.
In addition to the utility companies, eight businesses and organizations from the private sector will participate: American Wire Group (Bronze Sponsor), Buckingham Manufacturing (Gold Sponsor), Milwaukee Tool, Prime Fleet Services Dielectric, Safety Exports (Silver Sponsor), Tim Self Powerline Safety and Training (Silver Sponsor), BVI Cable TV, and CCT.
The CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo is more than a competition; it is a celebration of technical expertise, teamwork, and regional unity. Each year, the event highlights the critical work of lineworkers while promoting safety practices and professional development. Field demonstrations and challenges are complemented by training sessions and knowledge-sharing initiatives, in line with CARILEC’s mission to strengthen the region’s energy workforce.
Dr. Neil Smith, General Manager of BVIEC, called the event a proud milestone for the Virgin Islands.
“We are incredibly proud to host this historic edition of the CARILEC Rodeo. With the largest group of utility teams and business participants to date, this event underscores the strength of regional collaboration and the growing importance of innovation, training, and workforce development in our industry.”
Chairman of the BVIEC Board, Mr. Sheldon Scatliffe, added:
“This event highlights the importance of investing in our people and infrastructure. We look forward to a day of spirited competition, knowledge exchange, and community pride as we showcase the best of the Caribbean’s lineworker talent—right here in the Virgin Islands.”
The Rodeo will begin at 8:15 a.m. with a March Pass, followed by an Opening Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and support their local team, BVIEC, as they aim for a third consecutive win, following previous victories in Saint Lucia (2023) and Antigua (2024).
About BVIEC:
The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation is committed to delivering safe, sustainable, and reliable energy solutions while fostering talent development and innovation in the Territory.
About CARILEC:
The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation connects electric utilities and industry stakeholders across the Caribbean, promoting resilience, knowledge exchange, and advancement in the regional energy sector
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a marked decline in several serious crime categories for the first quarter of 2025, citing the lowest figures in at least five years.
According to newly released data covering January through March, serious assaults decreased by 17 percent compared to the same period in 2024 and are now 11 percent below the five-year average. Sexual offences fell even more sharply, down 42 percent year-over-year and 36 percent below the five-year norm.
Burglaries involving commercial premises, construction sites, and storage facilities also saw significant reductions. These incidents declined by 44 percent compared to the first quarter of last year, placing them 30 percent below the five-year average.
Murder rates remained low, with one homicide recorded in the first quarter of 2025, identical to the figure for 2024 and a substantial decrease from 2021, when four cases were reported during the same timeframe.
Police credited the reductions to focused enforcement efforts, intelligence-driven operations, and continued community cooperation. These initiatives, the RVIPF stated, have produced “real results in the fight against crime.”
BVI Sees Spike in Property Damage, Vehicle Thefts, and Assaults in Early 2025
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Record Turnout Expected at 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo in British Virgin Islands
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