The spotlight was shone on Junior Minister for Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE as she was bestowed with the Pioneer Award. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), addressed the gathering, stating that this inaugural Diplomatic Week in the Virgin Islands is a vital opportunity to highlight and enhance the understanding of international relations and diplomacy—an area that is often overlooked and misunderstood. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands.

Honourable Smith was presented with the award opening ceremony of the 2025 Diplomatic Week on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands.

Honourable Smith was presented with the award by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who said the inaugural Diplomatic Week in the Virgin Islands is a vital opportunity to highlight and enhance the understanding of international relations and diplomacy—an area that is often overlooked and misunderstood.

The Junior Minister, Hon Smith, has represented the territory on the international front in various capacities but particulary regarding financial services.

She has served as the Director of BVI International Finance Centre, and as the founding director of The BVI London Office and BVI House Asia. Hon Smith also served as the Chairperson of the Financial Services Business Development Committee which provided government with strategic advice on Financial Services policies.

VI is small, but its global footprint is significant- Premier

"The arena of international relations and diplomacy is one where ideas, interests, and identity meet on the global stage. Every Country’s developments and future developments are shaped by its relationships abroad, and in this regard, the Virgin Islands is no different," Premier Smith said.

The Premier emphasised that due to the nature of the Virgin Islands' financial services industry—one of the territory’s two main economic engines, with London, Europe, and Asia as key markets—it is crucial to meet the demands of these markets; thus, our industry is shaped by relationships abroad.

He said that by establishing the BVI London Office to engage directly with partners in the UK and Europe, and recently opening BVI Asia House to strengthen connections in the Asia-Pacific region, the VI expanded its global presence. "Although the Virgin Islands is small, our global footprint is significant. As an international financial centre 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.’’

The Premier emphasised that diplomacy is fundamentally about building bridges—between nations, peoples, and opportunities.

Honourees

Meanwhile, several individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of diplomacy were recognised during the ceremony. The featured honourees included:

 • Dr Sandra M. Besson

 • Ms Tracy Bradshaw

 • Ms Najan Christopher

 • Ms Dwynel F. Davies

 • Ms Elise Donovan

 • Mr Kedrick E. Malone

 • Ms Sylvia Moses

 • Ms Sherri L. Ortiz

 • Honourable Dawn J. Smith

 • Mrs Hadassah Ward Fraser

 • Dr Ricardo Wheatley