BVI to honor former Premier Dr. Orlando Smith for contributions to healthcare
Key Points(5)
- The British Virgin Islands will honor former Premier Dr.
- Orlando Smith for his decades of service to the territory's healthcare sector during a special commemoration ceremony on Monday, November 16.
- The event, organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Development in collaboration with the BVI Health Services Authority, will take place at 6 p.m.
- Orlando Smith Hospital.
- The ceremony will recognize Smith's contributions as a surgeon, public servant and former premier, highlighting his role in strengthening healthcare services throughout the territory.
The British Virgin Islands will honor former Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith for his decades of service to the territory's healthcare sector during a special commemoration ceremony on Monday, November 16.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Development in collaboration with the BVI Health Services Authority, will take place at 6 p.m. at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital.
The ceremony will recognize Smith's contributions as a surgeon, public servant and former premier, highlighting his role in strengthening healthcare services throughout the territory.
Smith, who served as the territory's Chief Medical Officer from 1979 to 1995, held several positions at the former Peebles Hospital, including medical officer, senior registrar of surgery and surgeon.
In January 2019, the territory's main hospital was officially named in his honor, recognizing his pioneering efforts to improve healthcare services in the British Virgin Islands.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Tasha K. Bertie said the upcoming ceremony will provide an opportunity to celebrate Smith's legacy and reflect on the development of healthcare in the territory.
“Dr. Smith's contributions to healthcare span several decades. He served in various capacities at the former Peebles Hospital, including Medical Officer, Senior Registrar of Surgery and Surgeon, and served as the Territory's Chief Medical Officer from 1979 to 1995. Throughout his career, he worked alongside other healthcare professionals to provide care and strengthen health services, even during periods when resources were limited,” Bertie said.
She also highlighted the hospital's history, which dates back more than a century to the establishment of the Cottage Hospital in 1922.
“Our hospital has a rich history, dating back to the establishment of the Cottage Hospital in 1922. From its early beginnings to the modern healthcare facility we have today, its development reflects the dedication of generations of healthcare professionals and leaders who have worked to improve healthcare for our people. This ceremony allows us to recognise that history while paying tribute to Dr. Smith's significant contributions,” she stated.
The commemoration will bring together government officials, healthcare professionals, family members, community partners and residents.
The program will include tributes, reflections on the hospital's history and development, and a special presentation recognizing Smith's service and legacy.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development and the BVI Health Services Authority have invited members of the public to attend the ceremony.
The ministry said the event forms part of its continued commitment to recognizing individuals who have contributed to the development of healthcare services and the well-being of residents throughout the British Virgin Islands.
