Premier Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith

Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News

Premier Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith

Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News

Premier and Minister for Finance, Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith said he is appreciative of the messages of sympathy and support following the passing of his mother, Eldra Davies Smith, who died on September 6 after a brief period of illness.

Via a Facebook post, the Premier disclosed that the funeral will take place next Sunday at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Fat Hogs Bay, with viewing starting at 9:30am and the service an hour later.

"My dear Facebook friends, thank you for all of your prayers and your messages of sympathy and support for me and my family. I am deeply grieved by my mother's loss, but I take comfort in the fact that she had a long and devout life and knew she was loved and appreciated by her family and by many. She has gone to the embrace of the One who lent her to us, but we will continue to hold her memory close in our hearts until we meet again in the light of the Lord. Thank you again," the Facebook post stated.

The Premier's mother passed away at her home in Lower Estate.

On August 3 via a Facebook post, the Premier indicated that his mother was celebrating her 94th birthday that day. The post attracted an outpouring of 194 likes and 73 comments.

"Today, Eldra Davies Smith, my mother and the matriarch of our family, is 94 years old. As some of you know, she has had some health issues recently, but her feisty spirit has remained unbroken and she has overcome in a true triumph of the spirit. I am very pleased and grateful to God that she is still with us and that we will be able to celebrate this special day with her. Happy Birthday, Mother! May you live to see many more!" the post dated August 3 stated.

Many had offered well wishes and to keep his mother in their prayers.

Premier Smith later replied to the well wishes in a post that read, "Thank you, Facebook friends. My mother greatly enjoyed her day and her celebration and was very touched when I passed on your best wishes and told her of your prayers on her behalf. This was truly a memorable celebration for us all and you helped to make it so. God bless you."