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'We have become more unfriendly & unloving to each other'-Lesmore Smith

- said VI's survival requires us to be responsible for what we say or do about & to each other
Former Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) At-Large candidate Lesmore Smith has urged that the core values and principles of late Chief Minister, Honourable Hamilton Lavity Stoutt be upheld by the [British] Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: VINO/File
Businessman Lesmore Smith, who unsuccessfully contested for a seat at the 2019 General Election in the Virgin Islands, had made it known since December 2022 that he would be vying for a seat at the 2023 elections. Photo: VINO
Businessman Lesmore Smith, who unsuccessfully contested for a seat at the 2019 General Election in the Virgin Islands, had made it known since December 2022 that he would be vying for a seat at the 2023 elections. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Former Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) At-Large candidate Lesmore Smith has urged that the core values and principles of late Chief Minister Hamilton Lavity Stoutt be upheld by the [British] Virgin Islands (VI).

Mr Smith's statement came on March 6, 2023, the public holiday to celebrate the birth anniversary of the late H. Lavity Stoutt.

“Let’s remember his mantra: ‘Where there is no vision the people perished,’" Mr Smith said.

“Our survival as a people and a nation, beholds us to become responsible, for what we say or do about and to each other. 

“I’ll be the first to admit I’m not and would never be perfect in this life. That doesn’t give me the right, to look down at the other person despite their strengths or weaknesses. We organised marches to the government house, to save our democracy, but at the same time we create social media conversations to destroy what’s left of us and this is not right”, he continued.

Where is the love?

Smith said there is also a need for love and respect toward each other.

"We seemed to [have] become more unfriendly and unloving to each other...What more do we need for us to respect and appreciate each other?”

He pointed to the present climate with young people, whom he noted are crying out for help while adults constantly fight against each other. 

“Where is our leadership and support in their success? 

“The things we do and say are not helpful, in them making positive decisions. They’re looking up to us for directions but it seems like we’re looking at them instead. We claimed it’s the British Invasion but we are our own invaders. We asked the rest of the world for help to save us but we need to help ourselves by changing the things we say about each other. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link”, Mr Smith said.

'I'm a proud Virgin Islander'- Smith

He noted; however, that each individual has a right to democracy and they have to live with their decision.

“Our friendship or association is also a democratic process. We don’t have the right to affiliate or align it for our own selfish gains. 

“I’m a proud British Virgin Islander. This country and its people have done well for me in my development. I’ve never been ungrateful in giving and helping anyone in time of need”, Mr Smith said.

Smith, who is now contesting as an Independent At-Large candidate, had initially announced last December, that he was running as At-Large candidate with the Party, only to later be forced off the ticket, after he was asked to run in the Fifth District.

He reportedly opted not to, as his slot was taken by a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Ingrid A. Moses.

15 Responses to “'We have become more unfriendly & unloving to each other'-Lesmore Smith”

  • one eye (07/03/2023, 08:21) Like (15) Dislike (6) Reply
    This man need to shave
    • fraser (07/03/2023, 09:50) Like (5) Dislike (8) Reply
      Why you don't tell me to shave? Leave the man alone
    • NezRez (07/03/2023, 15:58) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      You sound so immature. The man is making a lot of sense and you are an example of what he is talking about. How petty you are because you can’t see past a shave to not get his message. This is why we cannot survive as a people. Important issues has been raised, would you like to address those? SMDH
  • Lipidee (07/03/2023, 08:31) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    To Mr. Lesmore Smith:

    Mr Mather may not smile with everyone as he passes by like a walking dental-spa advertisement- but he spends his days in service of others and community.

    People give him the benefit of the doubt re meaning well and having potential to do same .

    You , kind sir, have been equally deserving of your reputation - which is not to say that you could NOT be of SOME use to us . Temportal platitudes will not suffice .

    Credit to you still, for there are many among us who may only criticize but dare not step forward for their OWN various inadequacies .
    Still, You , Sir , may need an acid wash or paint factory first before I give you my vote .
  • regulate (07/03/2023, 08:52) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    This from the man who along with J**sie keep gettng all the contracts them. No one else can eat. System designed to make sure the same man dem keep getting fat. Who you want to smile with you? How you running and have government contract all over?
  • 3rd district (07/03/2023, 09:41) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    You have no morals...have the nerves to make those kinda statements...LESMORE SMITH GO SIT DOWN WITH YOUR BULL CRAP..NOT MY X THIS TIME AROUND.
  • 6th (07/03/2023, 09:48) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    That woman they replaced him with will not win an at Large seat. She would have been better off running in the Sixth where she has family to vote for her. She is definitely not a people's person, so she is d.o.a. I would vote for Mr. Smith any day over her.
  • what?!? (07/03/2023, 11:24) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Mr. Smith.... You have the AUDACITY to stand up and say that when you have a SON who you have done nothing for? You want to talk about 'the young people' - what about doing what is right by your own BLOOD?! To ask ANYONE in the community to vote for someone who cannot stand up to his responsibilities as a parent is insane..... you sir can go SIT DOWN.
  • ...... (07/03/2023, 13:13) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    You Lesmore, who don't got any manners, you whom treat your employees like crap.You are part of the problem that you describe.
  • WTF (07/03/2023, 13:47) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Lesmore Smith ask "where is the love?" He also said we must love and respect each other. Those sentiments are admirable. But I think Mr. Smith should start with the Man In The Mirror. Lesmore hardly greet you in passing. Atleast that is my experience and I have known him most of my life. So start with a simple Good Morning how are you today? Courtesy don't take any skin off your backs. I hope you aspiring politicians will take note.
  • lol (07/03/2023, 15:37) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    His PVIM buddies gave him what the duck got
  • THE TRUTH HURTS (07/03/2023, 17:07) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look at who is preaching about XOXO???????
  • jaja (07/03/2023, 17:09) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Practice what you preach!!! SIMPLE then you may be considered.
  • Dop (07/03/2023, 20:04) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    What's his platform? Go sit dung.
  • Hmmmmm (07/03/2023, 20:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The LORD came to do only good and he was crucified.. keep pushing Mr Smith you are bigger than all the negative blogs.


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