Ira L. Smith passes; VI’s first local Architect & Town Planner
Mr Smith passed away this morning, Thursday April 5, 2018 at Peebles Hospital after being ill for some time. He was 79 of age, having been born on April 18, 1938.
The late Mr Smith is survived by his wife Mrs Kather N. Maduro-Smith, a former Comptroller of Customs, and his mother Enlle Smith who will turn 100 in December of this year. He is also survived by many daughters and sons, including Karen B. Smith-Aaron, the Commissioner of Inland Revenue and a former BVI Horse Owner’s Association President.
Mr Smith is also the first cousin of current Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL).
He was a trail blazer
The deceased, an indigenous Virgin Islander, made history when he became the first local Architect and was assigned to the Government’s Public Works Department. He also was the first Town Planner of the Territory.
In 1986 he founded Smith’s Ferry Service, which provides modern sea travel between the Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands. Smith’s Ferry Service, along with Speedy’s Ferry Service, was a pioneer with inter islands sea transportation between Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Anegada.
According to one of his sons, Henry W. Smith aka ‘Will’, his dad in the 60s use to build sail boats, a skill he learnt from his late father Leopold Smith and transported residents to Virgin Gorda.
Mr Smith was also passionate about his country and political issues and from the late 1990s was a voice on call in radio and TV talk shows challenging the status quo, and was never afraid to speak his mind and fight for people.
His signature on the Road Town Skyline
One of his many lasting legacies will be in the professional area of Architecture where his signature can be seen on many buildings on Tortola. He was the architect that designed the Social Security Building in Road Town, the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall and was the first project manager of the old Peebles Hospital in the 1980s.
The businessman and boat captain also did the drawings for the Elmore Stoutt High School L-shaped building that can be seen from the Sunday Morning Well, along with many other public projects both on Tortola and Virgin Gorda. The late Mr Smith also encouraged and mentored many of the architects that came after him.
The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online offer our condolences to the immediate family and other loved ones of the late Ira L. Smith.
27 Responses to “Ira L. Smith passes; VI’s first local Architect & Town Planner”
Pay Attention .
But not to worry old boy we will vote them out next elections
Rest and sleep on God is good
This man was by far a Patriotic Virgin Islander of high integrity and valor. Ira, known by family and friends as a seafarers' seafarer. He was also a master swimmer, having seen him swim the length of the dock in record time after walking off the edge. He pioneered sea transportation in the BVi and thanks to him, made getting around the world easier. You will be missed. RIP in heaven.
This revered native son was truly a pioneer in the architectural and marinal industries of the BVI!
His voice will truly be missed on the airways.
Rest in peace, Mr Smith...
Comment: Patience is an VIRTUE SO IS ..UNDERSTANDING.