Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE, (AL), listed the things she is looking forward to Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) speak about her ministry in the 2026 State of the Territory Address. Photo: Facebook

Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE, (AL), has said the Virgin Islands (VI) must equip itself with a policy to manage Artificial Intelligence (AI). Photo: Internet Source

The State of the Territory Address is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Noel Lloyd/Positive Action Movement Park at 4:00 PM. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Speaking with Nadia Turnbull, Communications Officer in her ministry, ahead of the State of the Territory Address, Hon Smith highlighted three main components she is looking forward to in the address, which will be delivered by Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7). 

“I am truly looking forward to the State of the Territory Address. There are so many developments in this ministry,” she said. 

In the area of Digital Transformation, Hon Smith said, Artificial Intelligence now goes along with it. 

“It is happening, and we have to make sure we have a policy in place so that we as a people know what comes next and how we should manage this very important area.”

Business revitalisation ongoing throughout VI

Hon Smith also named continued revitalisation of VI businesses “from Anegada to Jost van Dyke” as another area she looked forward to being highlighted during the address. 

Citing the recent graduation of 26 businessmen and women from the Entrepreneurial Education Programme, the minister said, “There are many things happening.” 

The training initiative was hosted by the Department of Trade in collaboration with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). It was designed to strengthen business planning, marketing, financial management and operational skills.

“So we’re emphasising training, and of course, hand-in-hand with that comes the grants programme.”

Financial Services Strategy 

As it relates to Financial Services, Hon Smith said she is looking forward to the rollout of the Financial Services Strategy in the third quarter of 2026.

“We’ll be looking at new markets, new products, and most importantly, training for the people of the Virgin Islands. So I’m very excited and look forward to the State of the Territory Address by the Premier.”

The State of the Territory Address is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Noel Lloyd/Positive Action Movement Park at 4:00 PM.