Students attending the Back-to-School Giveaways at Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cows Bay on August 31, 2025, apart from receiving school supplies, were further equipped with the necessary motivation to stay in school and live up to their potential by local attorney Sonjah S. Smith. Photo: Facebook

Sonjah S. Smith holds a Master of Laws with specialisation in Financial Services Law, from the University of London; a Legal Education Certificate from the Eugene Dupuch Law School and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the West Indies, as well as an international diploma in compliance from the International Compliance Association (ICA), and is a qualified Trust and Estate Practitioner. Photo: BVI Ports Authority/File

The Back-to-School Giveaways, which was organised by the former Speaker of the House of Assembly and his Third District Committee, had Ms Sonjah S. Smith as a motivational speaker. Photo: Team of Reporters

The Back-to-School Giveaways, which was organised by the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Julian Willock, and his Third District Committee, had Ms Smith as a motivational speaker.

Ms Smith said some of the students may be excited to return to school, and others may not; however, staying in school is one of the most important steps that they can take to create a future they can be proud of.

“The most important reason for you to stay in school is also the most powerful. It is you. Your future self will thank you for all the things you do today and the decisions that you make. The power of your future starts with you.”

‘School is about opportunities’

Smith further told the students that school is not just about knowledge, but it is also about opportunity.

Noting that she is a qualified attorney employed as a Head of Compliance at a trust company, Smith said, “School was the opportunity to be where I am today.

“Every day that you stay in school is another step closer to opening doors that you might not even see right now. You have the power to change the world, and staying in school is the first step towards doing that. You are capable of much more than you think. Do not shortchange yourself,” Smith said.

She challenged the students to do three things this school year: “Be brave: Try something new even if it feels scary. Be Kind: A smile or a helping hand can change someone’s entire day. Be proud: Celebrate your hard work even if it’s just a small step forward.”

Sonjah S. Smith

Smith, who graduated as valedictorian from Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, started her career as an Associate in a local law firm and has since gained extensive experience in the Virgin Islands financial services industry, holding various positions such as In-house Counsel, Director of Regulated Entities and General Counsel.

She holds a Master of Laws with specialisation in Financial Services Law, from the University of London; a Legal Education Certificate from the Eugene Dupuch Law School; and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the West Indies, as well as an international diploma in compliance from the International Compliance Association (ICA), and is a qualified Trust and Estate Practitioner.

Smith presently serves as a member of the Virgin Islands Legal Council; as a Director on other statutory bodies; and as co-trustee of the BVI Cancer Society, as a result of her education and professional background.