Charlie-Ann C. Smith de Castro is employed with the Government of the Virgin Islands in the Civil Registry and Passport Office. Photo: Provided

Charlie-Ann C. Smith de Castro is a multi-talented young Professional. Photo: Provided

One of the artwork of Charlie-Ann C. Smith de Castro. Photo: Provided

An intelligent, ambitious, talented, humble and God-fearing individual is our young professional for this week, Charlie-Ann C. Smith de Castro. Photo: Provided

Charlie-Ann C. Smith de Castro is new in the job at Civil Registry and Passport Office, Government of the Virgin Islands.

Prior to that job she worked at the British Virgin Islands Health Services (BVIHSA) as the Executive Officer of the Dental Unit and the Communications Officer 1 in the Public Relations Unit.

At least three schools can proudly lay claim to fashioning the mind of this talented young woman in one way or the other as Charlie-Ann attended the Althea Scatliffe Primary School and the BVI Seventh-day Adventist Primary School before moving on to the Elmore Stoutt High School, which at that time was named the British Virgin Islands High School.

Charlie-Ann is a graduate of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. She was a student there from 2008-2011 and was successful in achieving an Associate’s Degree in Science General Studies-Technical Option, Certificate of Achievement in Engineering and Architectural Drawing and a Certificate of Achievement in Construction Technology.

The ambitious Charlie-Ann then enrolled at University of the West Indies where she received a Certificate of Achievement in Supervisory Management.

She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and Media Arts with a concentration in Web Design from the Southern New Hampshire University.

“I aim to one day hold a management position and have my own business, so I guess you may say I am half way there. To be honest I believe the journey has just begun.”

A gift from God

Francis Schaeffer once wrote, “Being in the image of the Creator, we are called upon to have creativity.”

When we create art, then, we are manifesting the image of God and becoming more who we were meant to be.

These words can surely resonate with Charlie-Ann who no doubt has been blessed with the gift of creativity but remains very humble about it.

“From a little girl I have always had a passion for art. I can't remember what triggered the interest, but I am guessing I have my Family to thank for that.”

There are many things that Charlie-Ann enjoys about art but what she enjoys most about it is that it has so many forms. “There is always room to grow and it is also a way to express your emotions and tell different stories without even saying a word.”

One day Charlie-Ann hopes to be able to hold her own art show and have her own art gallery where she can not only display her work, but the work of other local artists in the Virgin Islands.

“I currently have my own gift shop and home decor store (Tiger Lily), which I have incorporated all of my artistic skills into. God has blessed me with not only the ability to paint and draw, but also with a creative mind.”

Other interests/hobbies

Our young professional is also skilled at baking and also enjoys gardening, decorating, hiking, travelling, photography, dancing and “any activity associated with the beach.”

Charlie-Ann said there are countless persons that she can credit for inspiring and encouraging her to pursue her dreams.

“I have such a long list of persons who have inspired me over the years. My mother firstly, my daughter, Ms Shirley Kirwan, Virgina Creque, and I could go on and on. All of my friends, family, co-workers, each person has inspired me in his or her own unique way.”

Advice to youth

Charlie-Ann advises young people to "Can, as much as you can, while you can" just as Mr Elmore Stoutt told her in High School. “Don't wait for someone to give you an easy road. You have to work for what you believe in and you have to believe in you. Most importantly, trust God as without him we cannot do anything,” she added.