Elected officials laud contribution of H. L. Stoutt to national development at 12th annual celebration
BVI News Correspondent - Tuesday, March 5th, 2013 at 9:22 AM
A march past featuring various uniformed organizations and an impressive display of the personal effects that once belonged to the territory’s first Chief Minister made the day set aside to honour the late great Hamilton Lavity Stoutt.
Many gathered on the lawns of the Community College that now bears the name of the great leader on Monday March 4 and celebrated the former Chief Minister’s legacy with a fitting ceremony.
Former Chief Education Officer Elroy Turnbull in his tribute disclosed that the process to ensure that the territory had a college was thwarted “by dark forces from inside and outside.”
He also mentioned that H. L. Stoutt had to make other critical decisions in relations to other areas of education as well. He noted that at one point there was a recommendation that the Jost Van Dyke and Isabella Morris schools be closed.
Turnbull disclosed that the former Chief Minister threw out such recommendations and continued to champion other educational causes in the territory with the view: “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”
Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith addressing the audience.
Premier Dr. Orlando Smith gave an historical overview of H. L. Stoutt’s political career highlighting that education was the first Chief Minister’s passion.
Dr. Smith read some of H. L Stoutt’s noted quotes and announced that the leader’s spiritual ties to the Methodist Church contributed to his personality as a great leader. According to Premier Smith, Stoutt led the territory during the “stormy” times of the Bate-Hill issue.
Minister for Education and Culture Myron Walwyn told the gathering: “Today in the Virgin Islands we are the beneficiaries of vision and leadership of Lavity Stoutt, it is my hope that no Virgin Islander will ever forget his leadership and for all of us to strive to become loyal citizens.
“The leadership of Lavity Stoutt has brought the Virgin Islands into the modern age. In the 21st century Virgin Islands we realise that we are now charged with carrying on the vision for the Virgin Islands. We cannot build this country with some in front and some behind. We are all Virgin Islanders and we must bring all of our people along with us. Continue with opportunities to offer better public education,” he added.
First District Representative Andrew Fahie said H. L. Stoutt loved his family, his community, but more so he loved God.
Fahie explained that the former First District Representative never had any qualms about giving residents of the District rides to Road Town in the official vehicle and often attended important functions held by constituents.
“H. L. Stoutt led the Moses generation and he led them well. Now we are in the Joshua and the Caleb generation… Now is the time for us the Joshua and Caleb generation to take our place… I admonish all of us to do what H. L. Stoutt did and find a purpose and fulfil it. Just do what H.L Stoutt did, just get on your knees and ask God… H. L. Stoutt had to hear the negative voices but he remained laser focused,” said Fahie.
BVI News photographer Andre “Shadow” Dawson caught some of the moments with his lens. View them below
Copyright 2013 BVI News, Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
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OMG!!! Madam Parson is that you there smiling? You are very lucky that the dead has no power or you would have been dogging the bullet. Hmmm.
Hon Lavity Stoutt deserves the honors and praises that is
Been done today. He really was a man of the people and didn’t feel himself too big to stop and chat to anyone right in the street’s. Am glad I had that opportunity with him several times. On the day of his funeral, I recorded every step of it. Am happy to have made my personal picture album which I cherish today, and becomes a special piece in my home. Rest in peace Sir Lavity, the BVI will always hold you dear. Thanks for all you did for me.
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