Financial Services Institute to be renamed in Dr Mathavious’ honour

The H Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has designated an area on its main campus in Paraquita Bay for the construction of a new Financial Service Institute which will be renamed in honour of financial services stalwart, Dr Robert Mathavious, OBE.

The building will be known as the HLSCC Robert Mathavious Institute of Financial Services.

Dr Mathavious, who has nearly 40 years of service across the finance and volunteer sectors in the Virgin Islands, is widely credited as the main driver behind the territory’s financial sector.

The financial services sector is one of two main pillars of the BVI’s economy and it now contributes to approximately 60 percent of the territory’s Gross Domestic Product.

The financial services stalwart played a critical role in advocating for the establishment of the territory’s Financial Service Commission which regulates the sector.

He served as the Managing Director from its inception in 2002 until his retirement in 2020.

President of the HLSCC, Dr Richard Georges said the Financial Services Institute at the community college, which was also started in 2002, was heavily influenced by Dr Mathavious’ vision and passion for the education and elevation of BVIslanders.

“In 2020, after 18 years of service as the chair of the Financial Services Institute’s Administrative Committee, it is a fitting gesture on behalf of the HLSCC Board of Governors, to rename the Financial Services Institute at HLSCC in Dr Mathavious’ honour. We hope that this effort to monumentalise him demonstrates the deep and abiding appreciation that the College has for all that he’s done,” Dr Georges said.

The Financial Service Institute at HLSCC has helped to facilitate the development of intellectual capital within the BVI’s financial services industry and has enabled the support and training for employees within the sector to attain qualifications recognised internationally.

Since the beginning of training at the institute over the past 19 years, courses in individual subjects examined by professional organisations have been offered and conducted.

These include the International Compliance Association, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, CGI: The Governance Institute, and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

The FSI have a diverse group of students from various backgrounds and ages. However, most of them are already employed in the financial services industry, the public service, or other private service sectors.

Others who have the desire to enter the industry can pursue an Associate’s Degree course at HLSCC.