Lesmore Smith Launches District Five Campaign
Independent candidate Lesmore Smith has signaled his bid for the Fifth Electoral District with a new campaign billboard outlining his core platform. The businessman and former At-Large candidate is challenging incumbent representative Kye Rymer with a focus on senior care, youth empowerment, and community revitalization.
Independent candidate Lesmore Smith has officially made his political ambitions for the Fifth Electoral District visible with the unveiling of a new campaign billboard outlining his core commitments to the community. The billboard, prominently placed within the district, carries the slogan "Less Talk.
More Work." and identifies Smith as an independent candidate for District Five. His campaign platform focuses on six key areas: support programmes for senior citizens, youth empowerment and development, district beautification, expanded economic opportunities, the restoration of historical sites, and community revitalization.
The display also features the guiding tagline, "Country Above Self. Results That Matter." Smith, a well-known local businessman and community figure, is seeking the seat currently held by Virgin Islands Party representative Kye Rymer, who secured victories in the district in both the 2019 and 2023 general elections.
This bid marks a strategic shift for Smith, who is no stranger to the political landscape. He previously contested the 2019 general election as a Progressive Virgin Islands Movement candidate for an At-Large seat, securing 1,063 votes. In the 2023 general election, he ran as an independent At-Large candidate, receiving 851 votes.
After actively canvassing District Five earlier this year and initially leaving open the option of a party affiliation, Smith formally committed to running as an independent candidate for the district. Reflecting on his decision to enter the district contest, Smith cited his working-class upbringing and personal experiences as key motivators for his public service.
He stressed the importance of advocating for vulnerable community members, stating that local children and seniors require greater support and dedicated representation. While specific policy proposals are expected to be unveiled as the election cycle progresses, the billboard provides constituents with an early look at Smith's campaign priorities as competition for the Fifth District begins to take shape.
Primary source: Guavaberry