Twelve Leaders Celebrated for Shaping the Virgin Islands’ International Relations Landscape
Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, was celebrated for her trailblazing contributions to the Virgin Islands’ international relations and diplomacy during a gala ceremony held at Scrub Island Resort on Oct. 21. The event marked the official launch of Diplomatic Week 2025, hosted by the International Affairs Secretariat (IAS), under the theme “From Island Shores to Global Doors.”
Honourable Smith was presented with the Pioneer Award, the evening’s highest honour, in recognition of her pivotal role in establishing and advancing the Virgin Islands’ global presence during the formative years of its international engagement. From the early 1990s through 2008, she was instrumental in strengthening diplomatic ties, building relationships across London, Brussels, Hong Kong and beyond, and shaping the development of the Territory’s financial services sector.
Currently serving as Junior Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Honourable Smith expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, reflecting on her journey and those who encouraged her to pursue international relations.
“I am deeply humbled by this honour,” she said. “These are very challenging times for us. We are seeing a situation where might seems to be right, and we have to fight against that. Might cannot always be right. In terms of the future, the future for the Virgin Islands in diplomacy is bright.”
Honourable Smith also commended the efforts of the Virgin Islands’ Hong Kong and London Offices in preparing young diplomats for the future, while expressing hope that similar initiatives will expand within the Territory.
The gala also recognised eleven other past and present diplomatic leaders for their distinguished service to the Virgin Islands: Dr. Sandra Besson, Ms. Tracy Bradshaw, Ms. Najan Christopher, Ms. Dwynel Davies, Ms. Elise Donovan, Mr. Kedrick Malone, Ms. Sylvia Moses, Ms. Sherri Ortiz, Honourable Dawn Smith, Mrs. Hadassah Ward-Fraser, and Dr. Ricardo Wheatley.
Acting Director of the IAS, Ms. Dwynel Davies, noted that Diplomatic Week highlights the vital work of those who represent the Virgin Islands internationally.
“Diplomatic Week showcases and deepens our understanding of the vital work that goes into representing our Territory on the international stage,” she said. “International relations and diplomacy are essential tools to build meaningful partnerships, advocate for our unique needs, and share our perspectives with the world.”
Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley also underscored the Territory’s growing voice on the global stage.
“As an international financial center 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—as we continue to do now with greater confidence,” he said.
Diplomatic Week 2025 continues throughout the week with activities including the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories Caucus Meeting (Oct. 21–23), a panel discussion on “Our Place in the World: The Evolving Diplomacy of Overseas Territories” on Oct. 22, and school outreach sessions on Oct. 23–24.
