The twenty-first memorial celebrations of the late Honourable H. Lavity Stoutt’s passing will be observed on Monday, March 7, under the theme, A Recital: For His Love of Song.

The Government of the Virgin Islands in collaboration with the H. Lavity Stoutt Commemorative Committee will pay homage to the Territory’s first Chief Minister through his love for song.

The public is invited to the celebrations which will include a recital ceremony at the Road Town Methodist Church beginning at 8:00 a.m. followed by the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Cappoon’s Bay burial grounds.

There will be presentations from Methodist zonal choirs, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Sting Rays, H. Lavity Stoutt Commemorative Choir and Jazz Band, BVI Heritage Dancers and the Students Mass Choir.

Featured speakers will include Premier of the Virgin Islands and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE; Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn; and First District Representative, Honourable Andrew Fahie.

The annual wreath-laying ceremony will follow at the Cappoon’s Bay burial grounds where the Premier; Minister for Education and Culture; Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Julian Fraser, RA; and First District Representative will pay their respects.

The late H. Lavity Stoutt served as Chief Minister of the Virgin Islands for over sixteen years and is credited with establishing the Cruise Ship Pier, creating the Social Security Scheme, overseeing the construction of the Central Administration Building and spearheading the development of the local H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, which is named in his honour.

Mr. Stoutt was at the helm throughout the Territory’s development as an international finance centre and was described as being very passionate and committed to the development of educational opportunities for the people of these islands.

The first Monday in March is declared a public holiday in celebration of the anniversary of the birthday of the Territory’s first Chief Minister. The late H. Lavity Stoutt was born on March 7, 1929. He died on May 14, 1995.

The Government of the Virgin Islands through the Ministry of Education and Culture celebrates the life of the late Honourable H. Lavity Stoutt as a person of historic significance to the Territory.