Lorna Smith Hailed as BVI Hero
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley singled out Junior Minister Lorna Smith OBE as one of this year’s national heroes, praising her decades-long work in diplomacy and financial services. The recognition came during Heroes and Foreparents Day, which this year was expanded to mark the start of the territory’s first Diplomatic Week.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has named Junior Minister for Financial Services Lorna Smith OBE among the heroes honoured during this year’s Heroes and Foreparents Day, praising her decades-long contribution to the Virgin Islands’ international relations and financial services sector.
Delivering his national message on Monday, Dr Wheatley described the day as “a sacred moment of remembrance and gratitude” to celebrate those whose courage and vision laid the foundation for the modern Virgin Islands. He said this year’s observance was expanded to highlight the start of the territory’s first Diplomatic Week, reflecting the growing importance of foreign service to the BVI’s development. “Among the heroes whose contributions to national development we recognise this year is the Honourable Lorna Smith OBE, Territorial At-Large Member of the Virgin Islands House of Assembly and Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development,” the Premier said.
He hailed Smith as “one of our pioneers in international relations and diplomacy,” noting her leading roles in establishing and managing the BVI’s London and Hong Kong offices and promoting the territory’s financial services internationally as head of the BVI International Finance Centre.
The Premier’s tribute places particular emphasis on Smith’s work to raise the BVI’s profile abroad and to nurture links that support the territory’s largest economic sector. For residents who rely on the financial services industry for jobs and government revenue, the recognition underlines the significance of sustained diplomatic engagement in protecting market access and regulatory reputation.
Dr Wheatley also paid homage to historic national figures including Noel Lloyd, Lavity Stoutt, Isaac Fonseca, Theodolph Faulkner and Shelly Martin, saying their courage “ignited a spirit of self-determination that still burns in our hearts today.” He extended gratitude to “countless unsung heroes” — mothers and fathers, teachers and community builders — who helped shape the territory.
Linking the commemoration to contemporary diplomacy, the Premier noted that the BVI’s progress “has never occurred in isolation,” citing partnerships through CARICOM, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and international forums such as the United Nations. He added that the territory’s diplomats “have been a bridge to the international community in our moments of need,” pointing to assistance received after hurricanes and during the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we honour the legacy of those who came before us, let us also recognise the torchbearers of today and tomorrow,” Dr Wheatley urged, calling on residents to “stand firm for the good of our beloved Virgin Islands.” The tribute to Lorna Smith signals the government’s intent to highlight diplomacy as a key pillar of the BVI’s future economic and political resilience.
Primary source: BVI News