TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Nov. 15, CMC – The British Virgin Islands (BVI) will on Monday pay tribute to former Premier Dr D Orlando Smith, recognising his decades of service to the territory’s healthcare sector.
The ceremony, organised by the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), will take place at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital, which was named in his honour in January 2019.
Smith, a surgeon and former Chief Medical Officer, held several senior medical positions at the former Peebles Hospital before entering politics.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Tasha Bertie, said the ceremony would recognise his longstanding contributions to the development of healthcare services 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,” Bertie said.
She also highlighted his efforts, alongside other medical professionals, to strengthen healthcare services despite limited resources.
Bertie said the occasion would provide an opportunity to reflect on the hospital’s development and acknowledge the generations of healthcare professionals who contributed to its growth.
“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,” she said.
The programme will feature tributes, reflections on the hospital’s history and a special presentation honouring Smith’s service and legacy.
Government officials, healthcare professionals, family members and residents are expected to attend the ceremony, scheduled to begin at 6 pm.
The Ministry and BVIHSA have also invited members of the public to participate.
The hospital was renamed following a recommendation by then Health Minister Marlon Penn in January 2019. Cabinet accepted the recommendation of a hospital renaming committee before the proposal was submitted to the House of Assembly for approval.
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