Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith Receives Regional Honour
Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism Luce Hodge-Smith was honoured by the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) in Miami with a 2025 regional leadership award recognising her contributions to culture and tourism. The award, covered by the Government of the Virgin Islands and BVI News, highlights Hodge-Smith’s nearly four decades of public service and is seen as international validation of the Territory’s cultural tourism approach.
Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism Luce Hodge-Smith was honoured over the weekend in Miami, Florida with a regional leadership award presented by Caribbean Media Exchange Inc. (CMEx), the Government of the Virgin Islands said in a press release. The ceremony recognised 15 laureates from across the Caribbean for contributions spanning tourism, media, culture, sustainability, hospitality and community upliftment.
The Government’s account and independent coverage by BVI News both noted that the awards celebrate leaders whose work strengthens industries, mentors future leaders and raises the profile of Caribbean excellence. CMEx President Bevan Springer — described by the Government as an award-winning journalist and seasoned PR and marketing professional — told the gathering that the ceremony “is more than a ceremony; it is a reminder of what is possible when our region invests in vision, collaboration and community.” BVI News similarly reported Springer’s remarks, calling the event a reminder of what can be achieved when the region invests in vision and collaboration.
Hodge-Smith’s award acknowledges a career in public service that spans nearly four decades in culture, tourism and public administration, the Government said. She began her career at the BVI Tourist Board, served as Education Officer for Culture, and became the Territory’s first Director of Culture.
In that role, she led cultural preservation and heritage development initiatives and helped forge regional cultural partnerships that continue to influence policy and programming. After retiring from the public service, she entered politics and was elected Fourth District Representative in 2023.
She now serves as Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism and has been a vocal advocate for integrating heritage, the arts and tourism into national development strategies designed to promote the Virgin Islands’ identity and strengthen the creative sector, according to the Government release. “I am deeply honoured to be recognised in this way by CMEx,” Hodge-Smith said in remarks included in the Government’s release and quoted by BVI News. “My life’s work, both personally and throughout my public career, has been dedicated to service.
As a proud Virgin Islander, I remain committed to contributing to the continued development of this Territory, and I am gratified that my efforts are being acknowledged beyond our shores.” Other 2025 CMEx honourees listed by the Government and reported by BVI News included May-Ling Chun, Director of Tourism for St.
Maarten; Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority; Janelle Hopkin, President and Managing Director of Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada; and Marcus Simmonds, CEO of Tortuga International Holdings Ltd. in the Cayman Islands. Officials say the recognition is more than a personal honour: it serves as international validation of the Territory’s cultural tourism approach and could help attract regional partnerships, promotional opportunities and support for sustainable initiatives.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development reiterated its commitment to promoting sustainable growth, cultural preservation and environmental stewardship in the Government statement. The Government release was issued by Information Officer Angela U. Burns of the Premier’s Office; the release included contact details for international media enquiries (BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com) and listed Ms.
BVI News also covered the story and published images from the ceremony, noting Hodge-Smith among the Caribbean’s standout leaders for 2025. Residents and stakeholders are being encouraged to view the recognition as an opportunity to build on the Territory’s cultural assets and pursue new collaborations that support sustainable cultural tourism.
Primary source: BVI Government