LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION 1999 - PRESENT
     
     TERRITORIAL REPRESENTATIVE 1999 - PRESENT
     
     Orlando Smith is the third son of Joshua an Eldra Smith nee Davies, he was born on 28th August 1944. Leadership comes very naturally to Dr Honourable D. Orlando Smith, Leader of the Opposition and President of the National Democratic Party. Indeed he has filled this role for most of his life.
     
     Dr Smith knew from an early age that he would be a doctor. Accordingly upon completion of his education at he Virgin Islands Secondary School it was only a question of where to prepare himself for this role, having received acceptance from several prestigious institution including the University of the West Indies and Howard without difficulty. It was his Principal, Mr. P.C. Scott a guiding force to his students that made the choice for him.
     
     At U.W.I. Orlando soon learned that the BVI produced as good students academically as the larger islands, but that the area of sports there were some shortcomings. The Three-times local school table tennis champion was no match for his peers at the U.W.I. But he discovered a new sport, volleyball in which he represented the university and become vice president of the UWI Association. But this as but one more leadership position for Orlando, having been House Captain at Secondary School, Captain of the school cricket team, and having also assumed many leadership positions in his local church.
     
     From 1963 - 1969 he attended the University Hospital of the West Indies. Upon graduation he interned at Princess Margaret Hospital Nassau, Bahamas 1967/1970.
     
     In 1971 Dr. Smith lost no time in commencing postgraduate studies in surgery in the United Kingdom to become a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) - the highest possible professional qualification attainable. In pursuit of this qualification he covered as wide an area of surgical training as he could knowing that he would be only surgeon at the hospital when he returned home.
     
     Indeed on his return he was the general consultant in all areas as well as in surgery. His training served him well and he was able to bring to the British Virgin Islands several surgical techniques, which were not previously practiced here. His task was made simpler as the community developed trust and confidence in this National.
     
     It was only natural that he would be selected chairman of the newly formed Medical and Dental Association. In that capacity he was instrumental in the development of the Annual BVI. Medical Conference, an excellent continuing medical education opportunity for local doctors who annually can interface with some of the biggest names in the medical profession. That Conference now draws well over a hundred doctors to our shores and has put this territory on the medical map.
     
      Dr. Smith loves his profession, and his desire to see that the people of his community get the best attention that is available drives him to give his best service to all at whatever time of day or night that it is needed - whether it can be afforded or not.
     
     He has always aspired to a position in the profession where he could bring the most positive influence to bear on the delivery of health care in this territory. From thence began the inexorable drive, first to be Chief Medical Officer and eventually Legislator. During his tenure as Chief Medical Officer (1979-1996) he was instrumental in the development of a five year health plan for the BVI., the first five year health plan to be developed in the Eastern Caribbean, and the review of the Medical Act, an apparent mammoth undertaking that took over twelve years to be completed. This Act was eventually passed by the Legislative Council since Dr. Smith has been a Legislator. Needles to say he feels a special pride in this achievement.
     
     In 1980 a major and much needed renovation was undertaken to the structure of the hospital. Unfortunately there was no money available for its' furnishing - either locally or from Her Majesty's Government. Dr. Smith with the blessing of the late Chief Minister led a fund raising campaign, which raised over 300,000 dollars to equip the renovated and expanded hospital.
     
     It is said that if one wishes to have something done, then give it to a busy person. And so as well as being CMO and Surgeon at Peebles Hospital, Dr. Smith took on the role of Chairman of the National Drug Advisory Council, a body of charged with the responsibility to develop programs and to oversee activities to limit the abuse of illegal drugs. A master plan was soon developed, with one of its significant recommendations being the development of the Sandilane drug rehabilitation center. The development of this center is without doubt the major achievement of the Council.
     
     A growing dissatisfaction with the direction of this territory led to encouragement by many members of this Community for Dr. Smith to become involved politically. In 1998 therefore, Dr. Smith responded by becoming one of the founding members of the National Democratic Party, and was elected its first leader. Under the guidance of its Chairman, Leader, and other members of the Executive, the party contested the 1999 election and made history by winning five of the thirteen seats in its first bid to change the Government. He was elected Leader of the Opposition.
     The National Democratic Party continues to provide many challenges to the Government and it is fair to say that it is no longer business as usual in the House.
     
     As Leader of the N.D.P., the party with the greatest number seats in the Opposition, Dr. Smith chairs the Public Accounts Committee. That body has sent to the Executive Council the first ever report on an investigation held to review the expenditure of the public purse on any project.
     
     Dr. Smith's overriding concern has been the lack of proper management capability, and especially the lack of any comprehensive approach to planning for the future of the B.V.I. He is however optimistic that the people of this territory are now ready for the requisite leadership to take the country to the next level of its development, which the National Democratic Party has established that it can provide.