Premier remembers Mathavious as “a hero” who invested in people
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has hailed the late Dr Robert Mathavious as a national hero, praising his leadership in building the financial services industry and investing in generations of Virgin Islanders.
Dr Wheatley offered condolences to Dr Mathavious’s family, describing him as “a heavyweight” whose life’s work shaped the modern Virgin Islands.
“Our success as a territory is inextricably linked to his contributions and service in the financial services industry and beyond,” the Premier stated.
Dr Mathavious served as Financial Secretary and later became the founding Managing Director and CEO of the Financial Services Commission (FSC). He was widely regarded as one of the architects of the industry, which now contributes more than 60 percent of government revenue.
“Ultimately, that institution and that structure was the one created by him and led by him and envisioned by him,” Dr Wheatley explained.
The Premier highlighted Dr Mathavious’s role in mentoring young Virgin Islanders and creating opportunities for them to thrive.
“He headhunted, he recruited the best and the brightest talent in the Virgin Islands. He helped to nurture them. He helped to mentor them. He helped them to grow, and quite a number of them are thriving in their positions of responsibility in this territory,” Dr Wheatley said.
The Premier also noted Dr Mathavious’s involvement in cultural life, including his role in reviving festival celebrations in the 1970s.
“He gave contributions just as a community man, as a citizen and a nation builder of these Virgin Islands,” Dr Wheatley stated.
Asked how he wanted Dr Mathavious to be remembered, Premier Wheatley said his legacy would endure.
“His impact has been far-reaching, it will go way beyond his life, and it will extend into many future generations. In that way, he was a hero. He must be remembered as a hero,” the Premier insisted.
Dr Mathavious was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2020 for his service to financial services and retired later that year after nearly four decades in public service. His name lives on through the Robert Mathavious Institute for Financial Services at H Lavity Stoutt Community College, which trains students for careers in the sector.
“He is loved and he is cherished, and we will ensure that his memory lives on,” Dr Wheatley said.
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I wonder if he knows what all that individual did to the VIP?
You should invest in BVI People too. And not disrespect them.
will you invest in the people like him or your only investment is flights and party’s?
Now that Mr. Mactavious has passed, we will now hear of All his Acumen. But did any of the So-called Leaders in their current Positions even strive to be like him? Persons of Integrity, Accountability, Honesty, Humble Giant, among many more attributes.
Mr. Mack was indeed a Gentle Giant and a Servant for ALL Not Some. Did the Person or Persons who viciously taught about Raiding our Treasury and Giving $5. Mil Dollars to BOA, Did Dr. Mack even cross their Minds to Think that He would have NEVER approve of such an Act? Did He truly received his Flowers while He was Alive? I Pray that even Now that He is No longer with Us that Some of them whom He worked closely with or whose Lives His Life has Impacted would think twice about their Dishonesty and Lack of Transparency when it comes to the Peoples’ Business. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace and May his Families find Comfort in Jesus. Gone But Never Will Be Forgotten. A True Legend With A Heart Of Gold!!!
OUR MASTER’S MEMORY CAME BACK , PRAISE THE LORD.
He was a humble man May his soul rest in peace. He was one of those person that wanted Tortola to excel.
My condolences to the family