Be brave, dream big like H L Stoutt, Premier tells residents

Premier Andrew Fahie has called on residents to be courageous and ‘dream big’ like the late Chief Minister, Hamilton Lavity Stoutt.

Fahie made the call at the 24th annual H Lavity Stoutt memorial celebration and 19th Wreath-laying Ceremony at the Capoon’s Bay burial ground on Monday.

He said H L Stoutt’s vision led to the implementation of a comprehensive local healthcare system, as well as local secondary school and college opportunities for all residents, among other things.

“When we speak about Honourable Stoutt, we speak of a man who could dream beyond what the eyes could see and what the people’s heart would embrace,” Fahie said.

“As we think back on his enormous love for this territory … perhaps the most fundamental characteristics from Honourable Stoutt that we should look to and learn from is enormous courage … By the courage, I do not mean in the normally-used sense or physical bravery or calm in the face of danger, although surely he had plenty of both. The courage I referred to was enormous courage of vision. He had the courage to plan his work, work his plan and had everyone enjoy the fruits of his labour,” Fahie said.

He said the late legislator earned his mark in the history of the British Virgin Islands through struggle, persistence, and faith.

“We can pay no greater honour to him than to solemnly pledge that we the modern day Virgin Islands people we will have the courage to dream big and work hand in glove to make those dreams a reality, thereby making a better Virgin Islands for all,” Premier Fahie said.

The day which was marked as a public holiday to commemorate H L Stoutt’s passing, saw persons from all walks of life paying tribute.

As part of the programme, several schools such as the Ebenezer Thomas Primary did cultural performances through poems and dance.

The Premier, along with Culture Minister Dr Natalio Wheatley and a member of H Lavity’s Stoutt family, each laid a wreath at the front of the former legislator’s white-washed tomb.

The event was held under the theme ‘Back to Basics.’