Profile of Derrick Charles Smith, M.P.,

Minister of Mining and Telecommunications

Derrick Charles Smith was born November 27, 1943 in Kingston, the son of Charles Smith and Isobel Burke-Smith.

He was educated at Calabar High School, and the College of Arts, Science and Technology (now University of Technology).

Prior to his appointment as Minister of National Security, Mr. Smith was the opposition spokesman on National Security, a position he held since 1994.

He has held various parliamentary positions, including Government Senator between 1980 and 1983, and Leader of Opposition Business in the House between 2003 and 2007.  He now holds the position of House Leader.

Since 1989, Mr. Smith has been Member of Parliament for North West St. Andrew.  Prior to this, he was M.P. for West Central Kingston between 1983 and 1989.

Of the four Deputy Leaders of the Jamaica Labour Party, Mr. Smith is the longest serving.

He has traveled extensively as part of his political/party duties

A businessman by profession, Mr. Smith worked with Goodyear Jamaica and Grace Kennedy before entering politics.

In 2005, Mr. Smith was conferred with an Order of Distinction, Commander Class, for his more than 20 years of service to representational politics.

He is a past president of The West Indies Jaycees, the Jaycees of Jamaica, and the St. Andrew Jaycees.

Married to Karleen for 39 years, the Smiths have three sons.

A member of the Kingston Cricket Club, a steward of the Jockey Club of Jamaica, Mr. Smith lists thoroughbred racing, reading, and photography as his interests.