Hon Lorna G. Smith Obe receives Pioneer
Honourable Lorna G. Smith OBE was presented with the Pioneer Award during the Virgin Islands' inaugural Diplomatic Week 2025 by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, who used the ceremony to underscore the importance of diplomacy and building direct overseas relationships. VINO reporting adds that the Premier described Diplomatic Week as a vital chance to raise understanding of international relations, and highlighted practical steps such as the BVI London Office and BVI Asia House to expand the Territory's global presence.
Smith OBE was presented with the Pioneer Award during the inaugural Diplomatic Week 2025 by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, the Territory's government announced (VINO). At the ceremony, Premier Wheatley framed Diplomatic Week as a timely opportunity to ''highlight and enhance the understanding of international relations and diplomacy'' — fields he said are often overlooked and misunderstood, according to VINO.
He described diplomacy as "an arena where ideas, interests, and identity meet on the global stage," stressing that even a small jurisdiction like the Virgin Islands must invest in direct international engagement to safeguard its future. Hon Smith was recognised for a long record of representing the Territory abroad, particularly on matters relating to financial services, one of the Virgin Islands' two main economic engines alongside tourism.
VINO reports that her roles have included serving as Director of the BVI International Finance Centre and as the founding director of both the BVI London Office and BVI House Asia. She also served as Chairperson of the Financial Services Business Development Committee, which provided government with strategic advice on financial services policies.
Premier Wheatley explained why those overseas links matter for BVI residents, noting that London, Europe and Asia are key markets for the Territory's financial services industry. "Although the Virgin Islands is small, our global footprint is significant," he said (VINO). The Premier pointed to concrete steps taken to expand the Territory's presence, including establishing the BVI London Office to engage directly with UK and European partners and the recent opening of BVI Asia House to strengthen ties in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Premier also stressed that diplomacy is fundamentally about building bridges between nations, people and opportunities — a practical approach that underlines why local representation matters for jobs, investment and the Territory's reputation. "As an international financial centre with connections that span continents, it is essential that we continue to represent ourselves and our interests in the global arena - not through others, but with our own voice," he said, according to VINO.
Several other individuals were honoured during the Diplomatic Week ceremony for their contributions to diplomacy and international engagement. The featured honourees included Dr Sandra M. Besson; Ms Najan Christopher; Ms Daynel F. Smith; Mrs Hadassah Ward Fraser; and Dr Ricardo Wheatley (VINO).
The Pioneer Award and the inauguration of Diplomatic Week signal a renewed focus on strengthening the Virgin Islands' direct presence overseas. For residents, the event highlights the link between international representation and the Territory's economic wellbeing — particularly in protecting and promoting its financial services sector while continuing to foster opportunities in tourism and broader investment.
Primary source: VINO