Residents of the Virgin Islands are urged to go back to basics and reflect on the humble beginnings and old customs of its people as it observes the anniversary of the Territory’s First Chief Minister, Hamilton Lavity Stoutt.

Chairman of the Commemorative Committee, Mrs. Eileene L. Parsons says that it is a pleasure to serve on a committee that pays homage to a man such as the late Honourable Chief Minister. 

Mrs. Parsons said, “I have the pleasure of chairing the H. Lavity Stoutt Commemorative Committee and working along with a team of brilliant persons for a worthwhile cause to pay homage to a fellow Virgin Islander who can be described as a Chief Minister who was ahead of his time, a Nation builder, a visionary, a man of action, but above everything he was a man whose love for his country was unquestionable.”

This year marks the 24^th annual celebration and 19^th wreath laying ceremony of the anniversary of the Chief Minister and is being observed under the theme, “Back to Basic.”

The commemoration will be held on Monday, March 4 and is a traditional event hosted by the Government of the Virgin Islands in collaboration with the H. Lavity Stoutt Commemorative Committee.

The day’s celebrations will be held at the traditional area of the Cappoon’s Bay cementary and is expected to begin at 9:00 a.m. The public is invited to wear their cultural attire and participate in the day’s activities.

The late H. Lavity Stoutt was born on March 7, 1929. He served as Chief Minister of the Virgin Islands for over 16 years and is credited with establishing the cruise ship pier, creating the Social Security Scheme, overseeing the construction of the Central Administration Complex and spearheading the development of the local 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. 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.