Mathavious remembered as a trailblazer, visionary

The late Dr Robert Mathavious, OBE, has been hailed as a trailblazer, visionary and mentor who helped transform the Virgin Islands into a respected global financial centre during an official celebration of his life yesterday, October 15.

Speaking at the ceremony, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said Dr Mathavious’ intellect and integrity reshaped the Virgin Islands and built institutions that strengthened the nation.

“We gather this day in reverence, thanksgiving and pride to celebrate the life of a man whose mind, heart and service forever altered the course of our Virgin Islands,” Premier Wheatley stated.

He described Dr Mathavious as “a pillar of vision, discipline and purpose” whose foresight turned financial services into a cornerstone of the BVI’s economy.

“He took the idea of financial services and turned it into an institution, not merely through technical skill, but through deep conviction,” he said. “Because of his guidance, the Virgin Islands became synonymous with excellence, a model of what vision and integrity can achieve when placed in the service of a people,” Dr Wheatley added.

The Premier noted that Dr Mathavious’ greatest contribution was his investment in people, particularly in mentoring young Virgin Islanders. “He did not simply train professionals, he cultivated leaders,” Dr Wheatley said, calling on the territory to “carry his torch forward with the same quiet strength, steadfast faith, and love of country that defined his life.”

A gift to the Virgin Islands

Junior Minister for Financial Services Lorna Smith described Dr Mathavious as “a gift to the Virgin Islands, to the region, to the world,” and credited him with building the foundation of the BVI’s success in Asia’s financial markets.

She recalled early missions to Hong Kong and mainland China, which helped establish the BVI as a leading jurisdiction for company incorporations.

“Since 1984, over a million companies have been incorporated there,” Smith noted. “More than 40% from China alone. The BVI today mediates around $638 billion in investment related to mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.”

Smith said the BVI’s balanced regulatory framework reflected Dr Mathavious’ philosophy of “fit-for-purpose regulation — not overbearing, not lax, but balanced.” She added that his standard of integrity shaped the territory’s reputation. “He often said, we have no room for the ethically challenged. He meant it,” Smith stated.

Dr Robert Mathavious served as the architect of the territory’s financial services industry, leading its development for more than three decades and earning international recognition for his role in shaping the BVI’s economic success. He passed away on September 14, 2025, after a lifetime dedicated to public service and nation-building.