October 23, 2024–The Virgin Islands woke up to shocking news on Wednesday morning. Lorna Smith OBE, Deputy Premier and Minister of Financial Services and Labour had been fired by the Premier Natalio Wheatley.
The Premier, during a press update via the Government’s social media page, stated that his decision was based on a lack of confidence in the Deputy Premier to remain with his Government. Insiders tell a different story.
Reports days earlier indicated the possible sacking, but we decided to watch the scenario play out.
Deals Going Down In The Backrooms Of VIP Walls? What was offered to Fraser?
Reports from close VIP insiders, say that the deal offered to Honourable Julian Fraser would secure his retirement with a decent salary and payout via the ‘Greedy Bill’, and allow him to be able to retire from political office on a high note as a Minister. In turn, he would endorse Julian Willock for his run as District 3 Representative in the 2027 general election.
It is believed that Julian Willock was a close, unofficial advisor to Lorna Smith.
Natalio Chooses Power Over Territory
In the Premier’s update to the Territory on the matter, he stated that the Deputy Premier did great work, and could not give the Territory a justifiable reason for the Minister’s firing, other than he was afraid she would make him lose power.
The former Deputy Premier has stated repeatedly and publicly, her support of the Premier.
No Confidence Vote Still Outstanding
The Opposition which Julian Fraser was a part of at the time, some six weeks ago, put forward for a Vote Of No Confidence in the sitting Government, to date, the motion is yet to be heard in the House of Assembly. The Opposition believes that the Premier is deliberately stymieing the motion, and has called the Premier out on this undemocratic move.
The Territory awaits an update from Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton as it pertains to the No Confidence Motion.
We will keep you updated as information becomes available on this breaking development.