Lesmore Smith to Run as Independent
Former At-Large candidate Lesmore Smith has confirmed he will contest the next election as an independent, focusing on representation for the Fifth District. He acknowledges the challenges of running outside party structures but said he may consider aligning with a party in future, according to Virgin Islands News Online and remarks to JTV News.
Lesmore Smith has confirmed he will seek political office as an independent candidate, telling JTV News that he will run outside the traditional party structure while remaining open to the possibility of later aligning with a party. The decision, reported by Virgin Islands News Online on April 24, 2026, comes amid shifting alliances in the Territory’s political landscape.
Smith has experience running in territory-wide contests, having campaigned as an At-Large candidate in the 2019 General Election. During the 2023 campaign he was initially announced as an At-Large candidate with the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) but was removed from the party after indicating he did not want to run in the Fifth District.
At the time he also said he would not run against Honourable Kye M. Now, Smith says he plans to focus his campaign on the needs and aspirations of Fifth District residents. He has indicated priorities likely to include community development, economic opportunity, youth empowerment and improved public services, and he has pledged to engage directly with constituents on local concerns.
Over the coming months he is expected to outline a more detailed platform and schedule community outreach events. Political observers note Smith’s move comes as the PVIM — which was formed following a split from the National Democratic Party (NDP) — continues to evolve, while former NDP members have been moving to reunite in an effort to strengthen the Opposition ahead of the next general election.
That fluid environment may influence voter calculations in district and territory-wide races. Running as an independent presents distinct challenges, including organizing campaign infrastructure, fundraising and building name recognition without established party machinery. Smith has acknowledged those difficulties but suggested his local focus and direct engagement with residents will be central to his campaign.
He also left open the option of joining or aligning with a party later in the campaign cycle. Residents of the Fifth District should expect further announcements from Smith in the months ahead as he formalises his candidacy and presents policy proposals. For now, his decision adds another dynamic to the BVI’s pre-election landscape and will be watched by parties and voters alike.
Primary source: VINO