Twelve Leaders Celebrated for Shaping the Virgin Islands’ International Relations Landscape

Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, was celebrated for her trailblazing contributions to the Virgin Islands’ international relations and diplomacy during a gala ceremony held at Scrub Island Resort on Oct. 21. The event marked the official launch of Diplomatic Week 2025, hosted by the International Affairs Secretariat (IAS), under the theme “From Island Shores to Global Doors.”

Honourable Smith was presented with the Pioneer Award, the evening’s highest honour, in recognition of her pivotal role in establishing and advancing the Virgin Islands’ global presence during the formative years of its international engagement. From the early 1990s through 2008, she was instrumental in strengthening diplomatic ties, building relationships across London, Brussels, Hong Kong and beyond, and shaping the development of the Territory’s financial services sector.

Currently serving as Junior Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Honourable Smith expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, reflecting on her journey and those who encouraged her to pursue international relations.

“I am deeply humbled by this honour,” she said. “These are very challenging times for us. We are seeing a situation where might seems to be right, and we have to fight against that. Might cannot always be right. In terms of the future, the future for the Virgin Islands in diplomacy is bright.”

Honourable Smith also commended the efforts of the Virgin Islands’ Hong Kong and London Offices in preparing young diplomats for the future, while expressing hope that similar initiatives will expand within the Territory.

The gala also recognised eleven other past and present diplomatic leaders for their distinguished service to the Virgin Islands: Dr. Sandra Besson, Ms. Tracy Bradshaw, Ms. Najan Christopher, Ms. Dwynel Davies, Ms. Elise Donovan, Mr. Kedrick Malone, Ms. Sylvia Moses, Ms. Sherri Ortiz, Honourable Dawn Smith, Mrs. Hadassah Ward-Fraser, and Dr. Ricardo Wheatley.

Acting Director of the IAS, Ms. Dwynel Davies, noted that Diplomatic Week highlights the vital work of those who represent the Virgin Islands internationally.

“Diplomatic Week showcases and deepens our understanding of the vital work that goes into representing our Territory on the international stage,” she said. “International relations and diplomacy are essential tools to build meaningful partnerships, advocate for our unique needs, and share our perspectives with the world.”

Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley also underscored the Territory’s growing voice on the global stage.

“As an international financial center with connections that span continents, it is essential that we continue to represent ourselves and our interests in the global arena—not through others, but with our own voice—as we continue to do now with greater confidence,” he said.

Diplomatic Week 2025 continues throughout the week with activities including the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories Caucus Meeting (Oct. 21–23), a panel discussion on “Our Place in the World: The Evolving Diplomacy of Overseas Territories” on Oct. 22, and school outreach sessions on Oct. 23–24.

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“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.

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In a virtual statement on October 23, Wheatley appointed former Virgin Islands Party (VIP) member and Third District representative Julian Fraser to the vacant position.

“I’m pleased to announce that the honourable Julian Fraser, member for the third electoral district, is now a member of my government who will sit on the government front benches going forward,” Wheatley said.

He noted that Fraser remains the chairman of the PU party but has now aligned with the Virgin Islands Party, where he was a longtime member.

Fraser, who left the VIP after losing the leadership vote in 2017 to establish PU, will also take on the role of Minister for Labour and Immigration.

Governor David Pruce on Tuesday signed the instruments of appointment, and Fraser was officially sworn in.

Wheatley thanked Smith for her service but stressed that her dismissal is “a necessary change,” stating, “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 underscored the importance of “political stability at this time” as the territory’s leaders focus on vital reforms.

Smith, who won the Territorial-At-Large vote for the National Democratic Party in the April 2023 general elections, had previously switched her allegiance to assist the ruling Virgin Islands Party in forming a government. She held the portfolio for Financial Services, Labour, and Trade. 

Wheatley highlighted that Fraser “brings much to the table” and that his political experience is “invaluable.” 

He reassured stakeholders of his “full commitment to the financial services and trade.”

Fraser is noted as the longest-serving politician in the territory, having previously served as Deputy Premier under the late Premier Ralph T. O’Neal.

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Against the backdrop of discussions encompassing minimum wage, labour management systems, business development programmes and financial services diversification, Deputy Premier Smith introduced the transformative initiative.

With a vision to bolster the local economy and empower small businesses, this initiative promises financial assistance to locally-owned MSMEs, paving the way for sustainable growth and prosperity.

“The draft policy for the MSME Grant Programme represents a pivotal step towards fostering an environment conducive to the success of our small business owners,” Deputy Premier Smith declared. “Stakeholder consultations ensure inclusivity, transparency, and effectiveness, laying the groundwork for economic expansion.”

Recognising the challenges faced by SMEs in accessing traditional financing, the government is collaborating closely with the banking sector to promote financial inclusion. “We are committed to overcoming hurdles and facilitating access to financing for SMEs,” affirmed Deputy Premier Smith.

A cornerstone event in this endeavour is the upcoming BVI Business Banking Expo, scheduled for June 6. This dynamic gathering will unite financial institutions, regulators, business owners, and entrepreneurs from across the territory to explore cutting-edge trends and innovations in banking. Moreover, it will provide invaluable advice and guidance to small business owners navigating the complexities of the banking industry.

“The Expo offers a unique opportunity for residents, particularly those in the Sister Islands, to engage with banks and financial institutions,” emphasised Deputy Premier Smith. “It’s a chance to forge meaningful connections, gain insights, and seize new opportunities for growth and development.”

The MSME Grant Programme and the Business Banking Expo underscore the government’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and driving economic resilience.

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