Orlando Smith

Daniel Orlando Smith, OBE (born 28 August 1944) is a British Virgin Islands politician who served as Premier of the Virgin Islands from 2003 to 2007, and 2011 to 2019. As leader of the National Democratic Party he Leader of the Opposition from 1999 to 2003, and 2007 to 2011.

Early life and education He was educated at British Virgin Islands High School from 1955 to 1961. He attended the University of the West Indies from 1963 to 1969, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh from 1971 to 1974, The Royal School of Public Health from 1972 to 1973, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine from 1984 to 1985.

At Peebles Hospital Smith was a medical officer from 1970 to 1971. He was a medical officer in London from 1971 to 1974. He was a senior registrar of surgery in the British Virgin Islands from 1975 to 1975, and worked as a surgeon from 1979 to 1999.

Career Smith was a founding member of the National Democratic Party (NDP). As head of the NDP Smith was the Leader of the Opposition after winning a seat in the House of Assembly of the British Virgin Islands in the 1999 election.

From 2003 to 2007, and 2011 to 2019, Smith was the Premier of the Virgin Islands. He was leader of the opposition from 2007 to 2011. Smith led a trade mission to South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria in 2018; it was the first trade mission the British Virgin Islands sent to Africa.

Smith declined to seek reelection as leader of the NDP on 23 June 2018, and was succeeded by Myron Walwyn. Smith did not contest the 2019 election.

Personal life Queen Elizabeth II included Smith in the New Year Honours list in 2000. The Order of the British Empire was awarded to him. Peebles Hospital was renamed in honour of him in 2019. He is married and is the father of three children.

Electoral history + D. Orlando Smith electoral historyYear District Party Votes Percentage Winning/losing margin Result1999 At-large National Democratic Party 3,094 12.93% +1,997* Won (1st)2003 At-large National Democratic Party 4,300 14.72% +1,026* Won (1st)2007 At-large National Democratic Party 3,549 12.29% +18* Won (4th)2011 At-large National Democratic Party 5,117 14.7% +1,247* Won (1st)2015 At-large National Democratic Party 5,753 15.95% +2,333* Won (2nd)* For at-large candidates (general elections) who won, this is the vote differential from the 5th placed candidate (i.e. the candidate with the highest number of votes who was not elected). For at-large candidates who lose, this is the vote differential from the 4th placed candidate (i.e. the candidate with the lowest number of votes who was elected).