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.

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“While on Anegada, one of the things that concerns me deeply—and I believe it concerns all of us in the opposition—is that the land titles that were agreed to be given to Anegadians over a year ago are still not in their hands,” Smith stated. “What is even more annoying and concerning to Anegadians is that persons who are not from Anegada are able to carry on their developments ahead of Anegadians. I call on the government to fix these kinds of issues.”

Smith underscored the frustration among Anegadians over the delay, pointing out that their aspirations for land ownership have been stifled, despite assurances from the government. She criticised the disparity, noting that non-residents appear to face fewer hurdles in pursuing developments.

Adding to her concerns, Smith highlighted the plight of workers who played a pivotal role in advancing the work of the Anegada Lands Commission. “Last year, we approved supplementary provisions for the persons who had worked so hard on the Anegada Lands Commission, doing all the groundwork to bring between 60 to 90 land grants to approval. These people still have not been paid the monies owed to them,” she said.

Smith described Anegada’s treatment as unacceptable and akin to being “a distant cousin of the British Virgin Islands.” She called for the government to prioritise the island’s development. “I call on the government to bring Anegada to the centre, as I always say, and to give them the kind of attention that they need.”

Smith also touched on the exclusion of Anegadians from micro and small business grants. “There are a number of Anegadians who made applications for assistance under the micro and small business grants, and they were also left out of the fold,” she said.

She urged the government to rectify the situation, expressing hope for a resolution. “Having spoken to them, having spoken to the ministry and the Department of Trade, I hope they will receive the grants that they are eligible for this year.”

In her remarks, Smith expanded her criticism to include issues faced by other sister islands, such as Jost Van Dyke. She expressed solidarity with representatives advocating for fair treatment and equitable development across all islands.

“Anegadians deserve better. It is time for the government to step up and honour their commitments,” Smith concluded.

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In his statement, Mr. Willock clarified that he had no involvement in, nor prior knowledge of, the Premier’s decision to dismiss Hon. Lorna G. Smith OBE. He emphasised his friendship with Mrs. Smith and pointed out that, as a member of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and its Third District Committee, he was not consulted or informed about the Premier’s actions.

“To suggest that this was done as a political favor or in support of my alleged candidacy is completely baseless,” Mr. Willock stated. “I have had no discussions with Premier Wheatley, Hon. Julian Fraser, or any of their associates regarding any such matter.”

Mr. Willock urged Ms. Rosan to adhere to responsible journalism by ensuring her publications are grounded in fact rather than speculation. He condemned the report as both defamatory and misleading, asserting that he has made efforts to avoid becoming entangled in what he described as Ms. Rosan’s “vicious attacks” against other Virgin Islanders.

In a final note, Mr. Willock issued a measured warning: “Karma is real. When digging a hole for others, be sure to dig two.”

He also reminded the public of District Three’s upcoming annual Job Fair, scheduled for Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Therapy Works in Hannah’s Bay, Tortola.

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