Press Release

Premier's Office
Department of Culture
Release Date:
Friday, 17 February 2023 - 10:15am

The Government of the Virgin Islands continues to celebrate the life of the late Honourable H. Lavity Stoutt and will be observing the 23rd anniversary of this commemorative occasion on March 5.

Mr. Stoutt considered as one of the Territory’s greatest visionary leaders will be remembered this year under the theme, “Country Man Comes to Town: Keep the Vision Moving”.

Activities will include a Church Service at the Zion Hill Methodist Church on Sunday, March 5 at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cappoons Bay Cemetery. The activities will continue on Monday, March 6 at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium at 10:00 a.m.

Assistant Secretary in the Premier’s Office and Chairperson for the Planning Committee, Dr. Lavon Chalwell-Brewley is encouraging persons to attend this year’s events as the committee seeks to take a further look into the life of the late Chief Minister which will be depicted through drama. The production will also showcase local talent through poetry, song, music and dance.

The late H. Lavity Stoutt was born on March 7, 1929. He served as an elected representative consecutively from 1957 to 1995 and was the Territory’s first Chief Minister.  He is credited with establishing the cruise ship pier, overseeing the construction of the Central Administration Complex and spearheading the development of the local community college, which is named in his honour.

The Government of the Virgin Islands celebrates the life of the late Honourable H. Lavity Stoutt as a person of historic significance to the Territory every year on the first Monday in March. The day is declared a public holiday in celebration of the anniversary of the birthday of the Territory’s first Chief Minister. H. Lavity Stoutt died on May 14, 1995.

Author

Nekita Turnbull

Ag. Deputy Chief Information Officer
Department of Information & Public Relations 
Telephone: 468-2730
Email:  Neturnbull@gov.vg