Lesmore Smith settled on contesting elections as independent candidate
In an article by Virgin Islands News Online on April 24, 2026, Smith acknowledged the challenges of running as an independent candidate but indicated that he could consider aligning with a party.
Speakign to JTV News recently, Mr Smith confirmed he will seek political office outside the traditional party structure.
During the 2023 election campaign, Mr Smith was initially announced as an At-Large candidate with the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) but was removed from the party before the elctions after stating he did not want to run in the Fifth District. At that time, he made it clear that he would not run against Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5) of the Virgin Islands Party. Prior to this, he had campaigned as an At-Large candidate in the 2019 General Election.
Smith to contest election as an independent candidate
Smith’s latest decision to contest the election as an independent candidate is influenced by the changing political landscape within the PVIM, which formed following a split from the National Democratic Party (NDP), now dissolved. Members of the NDP have reunited in an effort to strengthen the Opposition ahead of the next general election.
Smith stated that he aims to focus his campaign on the needs and aspirations of residents in the Fifth District. He believes the district deserves strong, accessible, and accountable representation and plans to engage with residents directly on the issues that matter most to them.
Over the coming months, he is expected to outline his vision for the district, with priorities likely to include community development, economic opportunity, youth empowerment, and improved public services.
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43 Responses to “Lesmore Smith settled on contesting elections as independent candidate ”
There is nothing for the people here.
More old school thinking. ALL13MUSTGO but not to be replaced by more self serving same.
I don't like your brother, so I'm not voting for your cousin.
The country must suffer.
Yah. Nah! More of the &^%$#’ the same. Not trustworthy enough for me. While your low paid staff have to get by on minimum wages; you parlay and eat high off the omhog on VIP rent for your space and those cushy government contracts.
Must be nice! Biting the hands that feed yuh…well sah!
DO NOT FORGET! An Independent who later joined a party for the party-vote has the country in a mess...lest we forget. LET'S NOT FORGET. Remember it like yesterday.
For those who think of going independent, DON'T! Find strong hopefuls from each district and 4 at large and put your party, manifesto and campaign together. If you CANT do that for the country as a basic, you probably cant do anything for the country generally. Now is the time. Get to work.