On yesterday Monday March 1st, the 26th Anniversary of the passing of the territories first and longest serving Chief Minister Hon. Hamilton Lavity Stoutt; Virgin Islanders once again paid homage to the life and legacy of the late pioneer leader who was hailed as the ultimate visionary. The annual wreath laying ceremony took place at his final resting place at the Capoon’s Bay Burial ground, followed by the commemoration celebration under the theme: “Empowering my people”. The ceremony which was attended by family members of the late Chief Minister, Government members, Civil Servants and community members saw a number of tributes as the territory observed Stoutt’s contribution.
Stoutt was remembered for his significant contributions towards building the territories infrastructure, economic stability and stalwart education system, which is most evident in the territories only tertiary educational institute named in his honor, The H. L. Stoutt Community College which he founded.
In his remarks, leader of Government Business Premier Andrew A. Fahie reminded residents of Stoutt’s unwavering vision for the territory which was not always supported by others but nevertheless he persevered and as a result one example of his vision is the community college which has benefited countless Virgin Islanders, residents and persons across the Caribbean region.
Fahie said: “All these unjustified and irresponsible statements echoed from the bench of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition at the time, with the exception of Honourable Omar Hodge. Most people joined in opposing just for opposing sake, some got groups together in an attempt to stage a protest to lie down in front of the bulldozer to prevent it from levelling the grounds at Paraquita Bay, let us not forget.”
Fahie even said HL Stoutt prepared territory to fight against Covid-19; “H. L Stoutt understood that the most powerful part of your body is your mind. So I get excited during these times because he also built an economy. You see when you can build people, and they can feed their family and get good jobs, you build an economy. He built an economy so much that our people later on were so equipped that we were able to band together and fight COVID-19 to the point where we have zero confirmed cases in the BVI.”
The annual holiday is observed every year on March 1st, in honor of the late leader. Among his political contributions Stoutt was also a founder of and the leader of the United Party and the Virgin Islands Party.