MP Benjamin Anthony Smith, but everyone calls him Ben. He was born and raised in Southampton Bermuda just above the Fairmont Southampton Golf course. His father was legendary Bermuda entertainer Hubert Smith Senior, and his mother is Frederica smith an island known dressmaker. Ben attended Port Royal Primary school, played Junior golf, ran track, and became a swimmer after learning to swim at 10 years old. Swimming afforded him the opportunity to travel and was a foundation sport for his development. Ben attended the Berkely Institute before attending Saltus Grammar School.
While attending Saltus Ben participated in rugby, water polo and boxing. The national team swimming led to being a beach lifeguard and then a swim instructor at Whites Island. Coaching and teaching swimming started a passion for working with young people. He attended Springfield College in Massachusetts where he studied early education and was the captain of the swim team.
On returning to Bermuda, he completed mandatory military service in the then-Bermuda Regiment. After a short time away from the pool Ben began volunteering as a swim coach at his club the Bermuda Sharks. Ben continued to coach until becoming the Head Coach of the Sharks in 2001. Ben is still the Head Coach of Sharks Swim club and has been the National Swimming coach since 2002.
It was the work with children and his desire to improve the opportunities that led Ben to Politics in 2017. He was elected as a member of Parliament in 2017 and served the constituency of Southampton West Central until the election of 2020. Ben held the position of opposition senate leader from 2020 until being re-elected to the house of assembly in October representing constituency 8 Smiths South. He holds the portfolio of Shadow Minister of Education, Youth Sport, and Culture.
Ben married his wife Katerina in May 2008. Together they have partnered in Nonna’s Kitchen. Although politics and business keep him busy, he continues to work from early in the morning with his swimmers. Working with young people is how you build a foundation for the future and that is his passion.
