Meet Gregory P. Smith
Gregory P. Smith is an independent candidate for the Legislature of the Virgin Islands representing the St. Thomas–St. John District.
Gregory is running to bring practical, accountable leadership to the Virgin Islands—leadership that listens to residents, focuses on real solutions, and puts the needs of the community ahead of politics.
His Connection to the Virgin Islands
For more than a decade, Gregory has made the Virgin Islands his home and built businesses here that employ more than 50 local residents. His connection to the territory comes from living and working in the community—meeting payroll, serving customers, training employees, and experiencing firsthand the high costs, infrastructure problems, and government challenges that affect residents and local businesses every day.
That experience has given Gregory a practical understanding of both the challenges facing the Virgin Islands and the opportunities within reach. He is running to help create a government that works better for residents, supports local businesses, expands employment opportunities, and protects the quality of life that makes these islands home.
A Career in Aviation
For 30 years, Gregory built a career in commercial aviation defined by preparation, sound judgment, leadership, and service. Much of that time was spent supporting aerial firefighting operations for the U.S. Forest Service, where he advanced from line pilot to lead pilot.
Gregory concluded his aviation career as Chief Pilot for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. In that role, he led personnel, managed budgets, oversaw multimillion-dollar aircraft acquisitions and projects, coordinated maintenance and operational planning, and helped train and hire key team members.
During the winter months, Gregory also flew medical evacuation missions and worked closely with fire departments and search-and-rescue teams. These high-responsibility roles taught him how to remain calm under pressure, build capable teams, prepare for emergencies, and take responsibility when decisions matter most.
30 Years
Commercial Aviation
Chief Pilot
Nevada Department of Wildlife
Fire & MedEvac
High-Responsibility Flight Operations
Leadership
Teams, Budgets & Aircraft Projects
Gregory with an Erickson Air-Crane firefighting helicopter
Aerial water scoop operation
Gregory in the cockpit
Pre-mission crew briefing
A Local Business Owner
For more than a decade, Gregory has owned and operated businesses in the Virgin Islands, currently providing jobs for more than 50 local residents. He understands firsthand what it takes to meet payroll, train employees, serve customers, manage rising costs, and keep a business moving forward in an island economy.
To Gregory, local businesses are about more than profit. They support families, create first jobs, develop future leaders, and keep more money circulating within the community. His experience has taught him that when local businesses are given a fair opportunity to grow, they can hire more Virgin Islanders and help reduce dependence on government assistance.
Gregory believes leadership begins with listening, treating people with respect, and being accountable to those who depend on you. He wants to bring the same practical, people-first approach he has used as an employer to the Legislature—supporting local businesses, strengthening workforce development, and creating more opportunities for residents to build stable and successful lives in the Virgin Islands.
Why He Chose Independence
Gregory chose to run as an independent because he believes the Virgin Islands need problem-solvers—not more political division. Throughout his career, he learned that strong teams succeed when people focus on the mission, work through their differences, and take responsibility for results.
As an independent, Gregory can evaluate each proposal based on whether it improves life for residents, strengthens the local economy, and moves the Virgin Islands forward—not which party introduced it. He is prepared to work with anyone offering practical solutions, challenge decisions that do not serve the public, and remain accountable to the people of St. Thomas and St. John.
"Better Together" is more than a campaign slogan. It reflects Gregory's belief that meaningful change requires cooperation, honest conversation, and leadership willing to put progress ahead of politics.
Why I'm Running
"I'm running because too many residents feel that their concerns are heard during election season but forgotten once the votes are counted. The people of St. Thomas and St. John deserve leadership that remains present, accessible, and accountable.
Our community is facing serious challenges, including the rising cost of living, unreliable infrastructure, public safety concerns, access to healthcare, the quality of education, and the need for stronger opportunities for local workers and businesses. These problems will not be solved by promises alone. They require honest conversations, responsible decisions, and consistent follow-through.
Residents can expect me to listen before acting, explain where I stand, and work with anyone who is genuinely committed to improving life in the Virgin Islands. I'm running to represent the people—not a party, a political circle, or special interests."
A Life Beyond the Campaign
Away from aviation, business, and public life, Gregory values the relationships and everyday experiences that have made the Virgin Islands feel like home. He believes strong communities are built through respect, personal responsibility, and people looking out for one another.
His time in the islands has given him a deep appreciation for the character of St. Thomas and St. John—the traditions, local pride, resilience, and sense of connection that bring people together. Gregory wants to help protect that spirit while working toward a future where residents feel heard, supported, and proud of the direction of their community.
