Was Lorna Smith offered Junior Minister post after firing?

Commentator Claude Skelton Cline has alleged that former Deputy Premier Lorna Smith turned down an offer to become a junior minister after her recent dismissal as Labour and Financial Services Minister.

Speaking on his talk show, “Honestly Speaking,” Skelton Cline claimed that Smith was approached with the position following her removal from the BVI government’s top ranks. “After they fired the At-Large member from her post as Deputy Premier, they extended to her an invitation to become the Junior Minister of Financial Services,” he explained. However, Smith allegedly declined the offer, which Skelton Cline attributed to her initial reaction after the unexpected firing. Smith suggested after her dismissal that she had no interest in rejoining the government or contesting the decision made by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley to remove her from office.

Smith, known for her extensive background in financial services, had been a key figure within the BVI government until her recent dismissal. The reshuffle came amidst an reported breakdown in trust. “The Premier, rightfully…did the only thing he can do…[when] going into a fight. [You have to ask], are you going to help me shoot or you’re gonna shoot me?” Skelton Cline commented. He expressed some understanding of Smith’s decision to decline the post initially, stating, “If I was in her shoes…emotionally and psychologically…you might say no.” The commentator noted that while Smith’s expertise would remain valuable to the territory, the offer of the junior minister post might have come too soon after her dismissal.