Vanterpool Defends Lorna Smith Government Move
Former minister Mark Vanterpool has defended Honourable Lorna Smith's 2023 decision to join the Virgin Islands Party-led government, dismissing claims that he influenced her choice. Vanterpool stated that the move was made independently and that the Territory continues to benefit from her expertise. He urged the public to look past partisan politics and focus on effective governance.
Former Minister for Communications and Works Mark Vanterpool has strongly defended Honourable Lorna G. Smith's decision to join the Virgin Islands Party-led government following the 2023 general election, asserting that the move was entirely her own and served the best interests of the British Virgin Islands.
Speaking on The Morning Facts with Cindy Rosan, Vanterpool dismissed suggestions that he had pressured or persuaded his sister into supporting the administration after she was elected as an At-Large Representative on the National Democratic Party ticket. He described Smith as a clear-minded and highly intelligent leader capable of charting her own political path.
The 2023 general election concluded with no political party capturing an outright majority in the House of Assembly. The Virgin Islands Party secured six seats, leaving them one seat short of the threshold needed to form a government. Shortly after the results were declared, Smith reached an agreement to support the administration led by Premier Dr.
Natalio Wheatley and was subsequently appointed Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade. The alignment sparked widespread public discussion, particularly due to her campaign affiliation with the National Democratic Party and her marriage to its founder, former Premier Dr.
Vanterpool argued that the political controversy surrounding her decision has overshadowed the tangible advantages it brought to the Territory. He maintained that Smith's decades of experience in public administration, economic development, and financial services are far more beneficial to the country from within the Cabinet than from the opposition benches.
While acknowledging that some constituents remain unhappy with the post-election maneuver, the former Fourth District representative emphasized that elected officials must prioritize governance and national progress over lingering partisan divisions. Vanterpool concluded that Smith's decision was the right one for the Virgin Islands and should be judged by its positive impact on the Territory.
Primary source: JTV