Ira Smith dies

Well-known architect and businessman Ira Smith has died.

News of his passing comes as the British Virgin Islands mourns the death of former Deputy Governor, Elton Georges.

Smith reportedly died on Thursday, April 5 at 79 years old.

The deceased businessman is Premier Dr Orlando Smith’s relative.

“Ira Smith, my cousin, was a kind person and was also passionate about many things, his profession, the sea but most of all, the BVI. About matters concerning his country, he was forthright and did not mince words with whomever he spoke. We will all miss him,” the Premier said in a tribute on social media.

Opposition Leader Andrew Fahie also paid tribute to the deceased architect.

“We will vividly remember Mr Smith in so many different roles; all of which he performed with excellence. Mr Smith was a stellar public servant, architect, businessman, political activist, family man, among many other roles in the BVI community and beyond,” said Opposition Leader Andrew Fahie while reacting to Smith’s death in a media release on Thursday.

Fahie also described the late Smith as a trailblazer who ‘always put country above self’.