Lavity Stoutt’s vision must live on through residents

The Virgin Islands paid tribute to its first Chief Minister and National Hero, H Lavity Stoutt, in a grand concert yesterday, March 2, celebrating his enduring legacy. 

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley called on residents to continue the work started by the late leader, stressing that his vision for the territory must live on.

Speaking at the event held at the H Lavity Stoutt Community College, Premier Wheatley underscored Stoutt’s pivotal role in shaping the Virgin Islands. “Thirty years after his death, we still eat from the fruits of his labour. We still benefit from the establishment of his vision,” Dr Wheatley stated.

He highlighted Stoutt’s contributions to education, infrastructure, and economic development, acknowledging that the late leader’s influence remains strong today. “If heroes are to live forever, and if our national hero, Hamilton Lavity Stoutt, is to live forever, he must live through you, and he must live through me,” Wheatley urged.

A celebration of service

The concert, themed “Heroes Live Forever: The H Lavity Stoutt Concert,” was designed to honour Stoutt’s contributions and inspire future generations. Performers included soca artiste Adam-O, R&B singer Melanie Amaro, and gospel artiste Susan Best.\

The H Lavity Stoutt Commemorative Celebration Committee Chairman, Kareem-Nelson Hull, said the event was structured to highlight Stoutt’s life and service. The first segment, “The Church Man He Was,” reflected his faith, while the second segment, “The Country’s Man He Became,” focused on his political leadership.

Premier Wheatley commended the organisers and urged residents to continue building on Stoutt’s vision. “We must see ourselves in the vision, and we must render national patriotic service. We must participate in nation-building,” he said.

Honouring those who preserve his memory

A key moment of the evening was the presentation of the Visionary Commendation Award to 27 individuals and three posthumous recipients who dedicated themselves to keeping Stoutt’s legacy alive.

Among those honoured were Lorna Smith and Beverly Hodge Smith, who worked closely with Stoutt and played significant roles in planning his state funeral in 1995. Linton Leonard was recognised for designing a funeral programme that set a new standard for Virgin Islands memorial books. Vincent Wheatley, Eugenie Donovan Glasgow, and Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe were also among those acknowledged for their longstanding contributions.

The Premier stressed the importance of national celebrations in shaping the country’s identity. “National celebrations such as these help to shape the national consciousness. They help to inspire national pride, and we hope that they will inspire national service,” he said.

With this year marking 30 years since Stoutt’s passing, events such as these reinforce his legacy and encourage Virgin Islanders to uphold his principles. 

The celebrations continue today, March 3, with a National Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cappoons Bay Cemetery, where the community will gather to pay their respects to the leader who laid the foundation for the modern Virgin Islands.