A ‘shocked and horrified’ leader of the Opposition, Dr. D Orlando Smith, said the decision by the Premier to suspend Janis Braithwaite-Edwards, the Director of Tourism, is a total disregard for the rule of law.

His reaction came on the heels of a statement made by Premier, Ralph T. O’Neal on July 26 via a radio message, where the Premier bemoaned the management of the Tourist Board, and his intention to suspend Braithwaithe-Edwards for six months pending an investigation.

“…to act in this manner speaks to a much bigger crisis facing this territory – a total disregard for the rule of law. Common decency requires an employer to dialogue directly with an employee regarding issues of tenure, discipline and assignments that concern the employee,” Smith pointed out.

He stressed that it was unacceptable that such a decision as was communicated to Braithwaite-Edwards via the media should have been contemplated before being executed.

The Opposition Leader also noted the Premier not only exceeded his authourity, but placed the Chairman and Members of the Board in a position where, “even if they were not inclined to suspend Mrs Edwards will have to do so now or face possible termination themselves.”

“One can only imagine the pain and humiliation that the Premier of this country has wantonly brought upon this ‘daughter of the soil’ whom I understand [at RoadTown Festival opening] stood beside the Minister of Culture as she assisted him with his duties in opening the festival village,” Smith said.

The manner in which Braithwaithe-Edwards learnt about the Premier’s announcement was through friends the said evening said a staff of the Tourist Board who wishes to remain anonymous.

When this newspaper first contacted the then Director on Monday, July 28, she was in her office, and stated that no official letter was given to her. However, the Standpoint subsequently got word that Braithwaithe-Edwards was handed the letter the following morning.

Appalled by the approach Smith asked, “Is this the kind of community that we want our children to grow up in?   Is this the manner in which we want the powerful among us to treat the powerless among us?  Is this the kind of representation that citizens must expect of their government? “

And although it’s not his intention to delve into whether or not a six month suspension for Braithwaithe-Edwards is warranted, Smith disclosed he is a bit puzzled by the rather spurious reasons given by the Premier who said things that should have remained confidential have been publicised and preferences appear to have replaced fact based consensus. 

Meanwhile, with the downsizing of American Eagle flights soon to become a reality Smith noted that the Premier, who also holds the Tourism Minister’s cap, should be negotiating with airlines officials to assist BVIslanders, instead of restructuring. 

“I am reminded of Nero fiddling while Rome burned.  Like everyone else I am left to wonder about the direction of the Board as we move into the Tourist season with a person who knows little about tourism at the head, albeit in an acting capacity,” Smith stressed.

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