BVI To Honour Dr. Orlando Smith
The Ministry of Health and Social Development and the BVI Health Services Authority will host a commemoration ceremony honouring Dr. D. Orlando Smith. The event recognises the former Premier and surgeon for his decades of pioneering contributions to healthcare in the Virgin Islands. The public is invited to attend the gathering scheduled for Monday evening at the hospital bearing his name.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development, in collaboration with the BVI Health Services Authority, will host a commemoration ceremony in honour of former Premier and surgeon Dr. The event is scheduled to take place on Monday, 16 November, at 6:00 p.m. at the Dr. Smith's extensive contributions to the advancement of healthcare across the Territory.
In January 2019, the Virgin Islands' primary healthcare facility was officially renamed in his honour, celebrating his decades of dedicated service as a physician, surgeon, and public leader. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Tasha K. Smith's lasting legacy, noting that his career was instrumental in shaping modern medical care in the Virgin Islands.
Smith served in numerous capacities at the former Peebles Hospital, including Medical Officer, Senior Registrar of Surgery, and Surgeon. He also served as the Territory's Chief Medical Officer from 1979 to 1995, delivering care and strengthening health systems even during periods of significant resource constraints.
Bertie noted that the occasion also provides an opportunity to reflect on the broader evolution of healthcare in the Territory. The facility traces its roots back to the establishment of the Cottage Hospital in 1922. Over the past century, generations of healthcare professionals and leaders have worked to modernize the institution into the advanced hospital operating today.
The upcoming ceremony will bring together Government officials, medical personnel, community partners, and residents. The programme will feature tributes, historical reflections, and a special presentation commemorating Dr. Ministry officials and the BVI Health Services Authority encourage members of the public to attend the ceremony and join in celebrating this milestone in the Territory's healthcare history.
Primary source: BVI Government