“I send a hearty thank you to the voters of District 4 for placing their confidence in me to serve as their representative for the next four years in this Honourable House. I am truly grateful to all of you, and I look forward to working with you and together we will build a better District 4 and by extension, a better Virgin Islands,” she said while thanking family, friends and her campaign committee.

Mrs Hodge-Smith, a former Director of Culture, was at the time delivering her first speech as a member of the Fifth House of Assembly during the Swearing-In Ceremony and First Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on May 18, 2023,

“I certainly cannot take my seat without expressing gratitude to you, Honourable Premier, [Natalio D. Wheatley] for entrusting your confidence in me to serve as a Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, two areas I am passionate about and have experience in and knowledge about as well.

Culture & Tourism significant to growth of VI - Mrs Hodge-Smith

“I recognise that this role is very important and significant to the growth and development of our territory, with tourism being one of our two economic pillars. I take these responsibilities very serious, and I pledge to give my all and to work with everyone to ensure results are garnered in these areas.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Hodge-Smith said the advancement of the 4th District plays an intricate role in the safeguarding of VI’s cultural and historical heritage and enhancing its tourism product.

“There's still so much more to be done in District Four; however, I recognise the infrastructural work and other works that have already been started and, in some cases, completed in the District and I look forward to the continued efforts to transform the district, especially the capital Road Town into a clean, pedestrian-friendly, safe, noise-free and with ample parking and a green environment,” she said.

A pledge to work with both sides

Mrs Hodge-Smith added that she looks forward to working with legislators on both sides of the aisle to advance the territory.

“It has already been said on many occasions that we have been through some trying times with the hurricanes, starting before that, the floods, the COVID-19, with the COI etc, but what this has proven to us as Virgin Islands is that we are resilient, and we will continue to move this territory forward together with our resiliency.”

Smith further urged Virgin Islanders and residents that they have a role to play in securing the future of the territory for the present generation and those yet unborn, while calling on all to play a part.