Dr. Katherine Smith has been appointed as Director in the Department of Culture effective December 2.

The appointment was made by His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Augustus J. U Jaspert, in accordance with section 92 of the Virgin Islands Constitution, and in accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission.

Dr. Smith will manage the department’s annual budget and develop and present a reform strategy for the modernisation of the department in line with successful industry models, to streamline and improve its internal processes.

Dr. Smith has a Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate in History from Queen’s University and Howard University respectively, and has addressed various events around the region related to history, heritage and culture.

Dr. Smith worked at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College as a Lecturer and Acting Director in Virgin Islands Studies, and Professor in the Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Communications from 2008 to 2018.

As the Director of Culture, Dr. Smith’s responsibilities also include leading the cultural initiatives of the Territory, as well as managing the department’s operations. She will recommend changes to policies, legislation and service delivery that would enhance the functioning of the department; and coordinate activities with other departments and outside agencies as necessary in order to contribute to the effective management of the department.