George Town UDP Chairman Resigns

Donnie Smith, the Chairman of the George Town 
Branch of the United Democratic Party, resigned the 
position last week

Monday, February 23, 2004

Donnie Smith, the United Democratic Party (UDP) Chairman for the District of George Town resigned from that position for personal reasons last Thursday.

In a letter to the Secretary of the Executive of the George Town Branch of the UDP dated 19 February, Mr Smith said his resignation was a result of circumstances beyond his control. "For the past number of months," he wrote, "I have found it increasingly difficult to cope with my personal and business responsibilities, which has had detrimental effect on my health. As a result, I have been advised by my physician to reduce my workload."

Contacted for comment, Mr Smith confirmed his resignation. "I made this move freely to make decisions that I feel are necessary to best serve the country," he said. "My business concerns require more of my attention at the moment, so the time element is a factor."

In his resignation letter, Mr Smith said he would still help the UDP when he could, promising to "continue to assist wherever possible as a member of the United Democratic Party in general, and in the George Town Committee in particular."

One of the founding members of the UDP, Mr Smith has been a party stalwart since its inception. He has been involved in politics for many years, and has organised several successful campaigns, including that of George Town MLA Linford Pierson, who is now the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

Mr Smith served on the Immigration Board, and was recently appointed the Deputy Chairman of the Business Staffing Plan. He also served on a number of other boards and committees, including Vision 2008.

Owner of Fidelity Real Estate, Mr Smith has been involved in a number of successful business ventures over the years.

Mr Smith becomes the second UDP official to resign in the past six months. Founding member and director Eddington Powell resigned in September because of what he said was a conflict of interest.

The Leader of the UDP, the Hon McKeeva Bush was off-island and could not be reached for comment, however UDP Chairman Billy Reid did speak with Cayman Net News. "He will be missed, but I'm hoping he'll reconsider his decision," Mr Reid said, added that he had asked Mr Smith to do just that. "He's promised to get back to me soon with a reply."

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