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At-Large Representative Lorna Smith has confirmed plans to contest the 2027 general election and signalled that she intends to remain with the Virgin Islands Party (VIP), while leaving a formal announcement on her party affiliation to its chairman.
Speaking on the Talking Points radio programme on October 5, the Junior Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation said she did not expect her alignment with the Government to change.
“Well, I am with the government, and I don't expect that to change,” Smith said when asked which party colour voters should look for beside her name on the ballot.
However, she stopped short of formally declaring herself a VIP candidate, indicating that such an announcement should come from party chairman, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley.
“Official statements about that, I would expect the chairman of the party to make that statement. But I'm very much with the government, I work with them, and I enjoy working with them,” she said.
Her comments address questions about whether she would seek another term and remain aligned with the VIP, particularly following her brother Mark Vanterpool’s formation of the People’s Leadership Movement (PLM), which is preparing for the next election.
Smith said she had been asked about her electoral plans several times recently, despite continuing to work steadily.
“Of course, yes, I will be contesting the upcoming elections with God's help. I am in good health right now and with God’s help I will continue to be in good health,” she said.
She pointed to her work in financial services and the Department of Trade and Business Development as part of her efforts to improve residents’ standard of living.
“I have been working steadily to make sure that the people of the British Virgin Islands continue to enjoy a good standard of living and that they enjoy an even higher standard of living by the things that I'm doing,” Smith said.
Her political alignment has drawn attention since the 2023 general election, when she won an At-Large seat under the National Democratic Party (NDP) banner before joining the VIP to help form a Government. She became Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade.
In October 2024, Wheatley removed her from those positions, saying she had not given him confidence that she would remain with his administration for the rest of its term.
Her return to the Government was announced in March 2025, with responsibility as a junior minister for financial services, trade and economic development.
Speaking on the Talking Points radio programme on October 5, the Junior Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation said she did not expect her alignment with the Government to change.
“Well, I am with the government, and I don't expect that to change,” Smith said when asked which party colour voters should look for beside her name on the ballot.
However, she stopped short of formally declaring herself a VIP candidate, indicating that such an announcement should come from party chairman, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley.
“Official statements about that, I would expect the chairman of the party to make that statement. But I'm very much with the government, I work with them, and I enjoy working with them,” she said.
Her comments address questions about whether she would seek another term and remain aligned with the VIP, particularly following her brother Mark Vanterpool’s formation of the People’s Leadership Movement (PLM), which is preparing for the next election.
Smith said she had been asked about her electoral plans several times recently, despite continuing to work steadily.
“Of course, yes, I will be contesting the upcoming elections with God's help. I am in good health right now and with God’s help I will continue to be in good health,” she said.
She pointed to her work in financial services and the Department of Trade and Business Development as part of her efforts to improve residents’ standard of living.
“I have been working steadily to make sure that the people of the British Virgin Islands continue to enjoy a good standard of living and that they enjoy an even higher standard of living by the things that I'm doing,” Smith said.
Her political alignment has drawn attention since the 2023 general election, when she won an At-Large seat under the National Democratic Party (NDP) banner before joining the VIP to help form a Government. She became Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade.
In October 2024, Wheatley removed her from those positions, saying she had not given him confidence that she would remain with his administration for the rest of its term.
Her return to the Government was announced in March 2025, with responsibility as a junior minister for financial services, trade and economic development.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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