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Lorna Smith Denies Reports of Rejoining Virgin Islands Party Government
Former Deputy Premier Hon. Lorna G. Smith, OBE, has refuted claims that she has returned to the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government.
Smith stated, “It is not true. I continue to serve the people of this territory to the best of my ability as an independent member of the Opposition to date.”
When pressed on whether she is engaged in discussions with Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley about rejoining the government, Smith declined to elaborate, stating, “I have no further comment.”
Hon. Smith was dismissed from the government on October 23, 2024. She disclosed that she was informed of her removal through an official letter from Premier Wheatley that morning.
“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,” Smith said in a statement to the media.
Premier Wheatley addressed the matter in a virtual statement, thanking Smith for her service while acknowledging the difficulty of the decision. “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,” he said.
As a result of Smith’s removal, Third District Representative Julian Fraser was appointed Deputy Premier. Fraser, a former VIP member and current chairman of the Progressives United party, has aligned himself with the ruling VIP government.
Premier Wheatley emphasised that the leadership change was essential for maintaining political stability. “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,” he said. “Political stability is critical at this time to ensure we finalize the completion of governance reforms and effectively address the recommendations of the mutual evaluation report.”
Smith was elected as a Territorial-At-Large representative for the National Democratic Party (NDP) in the April 2023 general elections but later shifted her allegiance to help form the VIP-led government. Following her resignation from the NDP, she now serves as an independent opposition member in the House of Assembly.
Two individuals were arrested in connection with a violent incident reported on November 8, 2024.
Melicia Bodkin, 30, of Huntums Ghut, was charged with wounding and damage to property on February 24, while Deschon Hodge, 31, was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, being armed with an offensive weapon, and damage to property on February 26. Both have been granted bail and will appear in court in April.
Two separate stabbing incidents on Virgin Gorda last month have resulted in serious charges, including manslaughter and assault, as police continue to investigate violent crime on the island.
On March 25, Drew Farrell, 42, of The Valley, was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with a fatal stabbing that took place on March 20. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Just days earlier, on March 16, a 17-year-old male—also from The Valley—was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm following a stabbing incident reported on March 15. Due to the suspect’s age, his identity has not been released.
The RVIPF has not indicated whether the two cases are related but has reiterated its commitment to addressing violent incidents across the territory.
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Kurt Rabsatt, 39, of Old Plantation, was arrested on March 17 and charged in connection with a string of burglaries in the East End District.
On March 21, police charged Akim Stevens, 33, of Towers, West End, following multiple reports of break-ins in the Diamond, Anderson, and Spooners Estates areas. Residents had circulated video footage that aided in the investigation.
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