National Democratic Party (NDP) At Large Candidate Lorna G. Smith, OBE said her platform is committed to transforming the future of the [British] Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: Facebook

Mrs Lorna G. Smith’s professional life has undoubtedly demonstrated her love for the Virgin Islands and her dedication to its advancement, including the financial services industry. Photo: Facebook

The wife of former Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith, OBE has a proven track record as a former Permanent Secretary, with 30 years of experience in the highest levels of public service within the territory.

She was the youngest person ever appointed as Ministerial Permanent Secretary, and advised several Chief Ministers including the late H. Lavity Stoutt.

Her vision is of a Virgin Islands with a robust, resilient and sustainable economy, overseen by an engaged and organised government that works in the interest of its people. A Government that meets the daily needs of all its citizens and in particular, lifts up its women. A Government that attracts industry jobs, and manages investment so the people of the Virgin Islands, can all grow and prosper. A Government that will provide functioning infrastructure of which the territory is in such dire need.

Most importantly, Mrs Smith envisions a Government that will show respect and support for young people.

Mrs Smith’s electoral platform is established on 5 key pillars:

Financially secure future

With a wealth of experience in the VI and internationally, Mrs Smith plans to implement the new Constitution and prepare the VI for a secure future with financial safety, global and local commerce and a restored international reputation.

Revitalise the economy

Her platform aims to create and secure funding for a new, long-term infrastructure and develop a new, nimble framework for the creation of small and medium-sized businesses.

Sustainable future for youth

Mrs Smith has a plan to increase educational excellence in the VI, through in-house training and mentorship and the establishment of the BVI Youth Trust to increase guidance levels and after-school activity. She is also keen to assist young entrepreneurs through a properly resourced Small Business Bureau and engagement with banks for securing a loan facility to support.

Crime Reduction

Through education, opportunity and a stronger VI, Mrs Smith has a secure plan to rehabilitate young perpetrators and to ensure the lives of the territory’s youth are not lost to crime.

Reduce cost of living

The At Large Candidate plans to relieve the current burden on families by lowering Customs duties and Port fees, negotiating shipping prices, and introducing cost-effective renewable energy to reduce and stabilise electricity costs.

Mrs Smith has said she has always been passionate about the [British] Virgin Islands and its people and that she believes the territory and its people deserve the best.

“My mission as a professional has always been to make sure that the Territory of the British Virgin Islands got the best. I am running to fulfil that mission,” Mrs Smith said back in February 2023.

Mrs Smith’s professional life has undoubtedly demonstrated her love for the Virgin Islands and her dedication to its advancement, including the financial services industry.

Highly decorated resume

Her highly decorated resume includes establishing BVI Finance and leading diplomatic missions to create BVI House Asia and the BVI London Office.

In Hong Kong, she was able to foster and enhance the attractiveness of the VI as the preferred place for Asian offshore business and attract a number of Asian- based Trust companies to establish VI operations, which have resulted in jobs and revenue for the territory.

She was also successful in establishing congenial relations with a number of countries in the region and stamping the VI brand, through her presence and presentations at conferences, seminars and trade shows.

Mrs Smith is currently the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bank of Asia. She served as President and Assistant Governor of the Rotary Club of Tortola as well as on the Board of Governors of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, the VI's lone tertiary institution which she was also instrumental in helping to establish while serving as Permanent Secretary. Mrs Smith has also been a Board Member of YEP for many years.

Mrs Smith's Candidacy is about the transformational change that is needed if the territory is to advance economically. As a woman of action, if elected she will contribute to this change.

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