Derrick Smith is a past student of Calabar High School and the University of Technology. He is married with three sons and was born on November 27, 1943.

In 1975 Derrick was president of the St. Andrew Jaycees, in 1978, he was president of the Jaycees of Jamaica, and in 1981 he became president of the Jaycees of the West Indies.

Derrick has also served as Government Senator, Deputy General Secretary, Member of Parliament, and Area Council Chairman for the Jamaica Labour Party.

He is presently the Deputy Leader for the Jamaica Labour Party and Minister of Mining and Telecommunications.

He enjoys photography and thoroughbred racing, and is a steward of the Jockey Club of Jamaica as well as the Kingston Cricket Club.