Territorial At Large Representative Hon. Lorna Smith has firmly denied allegations that she was involved in a rumoured power play intended to topple Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley’s administration.
Addressing the claims at a press conference on Wednesday, Smith clarified her stance, stating she remained committed to her role as Deputy Premier and Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade before her recent dismissal.
Smith, who has previously spoken out on issues affecting the territory, emphasized that her public concerns were centred on governmental decisions impacting the Virgin Islands, not on any efforts to destabilize leadership.
She expressed that while her dedication to addressing these issues was unwavering, she was “content” with her position in the Wheatley administration and had no intentions of leveraging the Motion of No Confidence in the House of Assembly for personal or political gain.
Smith’s response comes amid circulating rumours that she played a pivotal role in a supposed strategy to remove Premier Wheatley from power. She underscored her focus on serving the needs of the territory rather than engaging in internal political struggles.