Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development and Digital Transformation, the Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), has confirmed that she will be contesting the upcoming general elections in the British Virgin Islands, while reaffirming her continued support for the current administration. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Speaking during the Talking Points programme on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, October 5, 2026, Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development and Digital Transformation, the Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) addressed recurring questions about her political future and her relationship with the government. Photo: Facebook

Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development and Digital Transformation, the Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) also used the interview to address speculation about her political alignment, stating clearly that she remains with the current government and sees no reason to change that. Photo: Facebook

Speaking during the Talking Points programme on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, October 5, 2026, Junior Minister Smith addressed recurring questions about her political future and her relationship with the government.

When asked whether she intended to seek re-election, Hon Smith said she had been asked the question “quite a few times recently” and made her position clear.

'I will be contesting the upcoming elections’

“You know, I have been asked that question quite a few times recently. And I don’t understand why. I have been working steadily. And of course, yes, I will be contesting the upcoming elections with God’s help,” she stated.

She added that she is currently in good health and expects to remain so, emphasising her commitment to continuing her service to the territory. 

“I’m in good health right now, and with this help, I will continue to be in good health. I will continue to work for the people of this territory as I have been doing for the last, what, 3.5 years?” Hon Smith said.

Reaffirms alignment with Gov't & VIP

Junior Minister Smith also used the interview to address speculation about her political alignment, stating clearly that she remains with the current government and sees no reason to change that.

“Well, I’m with the government at the moment, and I don’t expect that that would change,” she said, noting that any special or official statements regarding party positions would come from the chairman of the party.

She praised the work of the administration, saying: “I work with them. I support them. I enjoy working with them, and I think they’re doing an excellent job, and there’s no reason to go anywhere else.” 

Hon Smith was first elected to Parliament in 2023 and has held her current junior ministerial portfolio since 2025.