From left: Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) and Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) at the 30th annual wreath laying ceremony to honour the memory of the first Chief Minister, H. Lavity Stoutt, today, March 3, 2025. Photo: Facebook

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) laid a wreath of territorial colours at the grave of the late first Chief Minister, H. Lavity Stoutt, today, March 3, 2025. Photo: Facebook

Peggy Stoutt, the daughter of the late H. Lavity Stoutt, lays a wreath at the grave of her father. Photo: Facebook

Advent Lights at the 30th annual wreath laying ceremony to honour the memory of the first Chief Minister, H. Lavity Stoutt, today, March 3, 2025. Photo: Facebook

Praise Adonai at the 30th annual wreath laying ceremony to honour the memory of the first Chief Minister, H. Lavity Stoutt, today, March 3, 2025. Photo: Facebook

BVI Consortium of Trumpeters at the 30th annual wreath laying ceremony to honour the memory of the first Chief Minister, H. Lavity Stoutt, today, March 3, 2025. Photo: Facebook

The ceremony was done at the grave of Mr Stoutt at the Cappoons Bay Cemetery.

Joining the Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) for the laying of wreaths was Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL).

The wreath laid by Premier Wheatley was notably in territorial colours.

There were no remarks from both leaders at the short ceremony that was more about praise and thanksgiving.

Also laying a wreath was Peggy Stoutt, the daughter of the late H. Lavity Stoutt.

Leading out the praise and thanksgiving were Advent Lights, Praise Adonai, who also did a rendition of the Territorial Song, and BVI Consortium of Trumpeters.

H. Lavity Stoutt

The late H. Lavity Stoutt was born on March 7, 1929. He served as Chief Minister of the Virgin Islands for over sixteen years and is credited with establishing the cruise ship pier, creating the Social Security Scheme, overseeing the construction of the Central Administration Complex and spearheading the development of the local community college, which is named in his honour.

Mr Stoutt was at the helm throughout the Territory’s development as an international finance centre and was described as being very passionate and committed to the development of educational opportunities for the people of these islands.

The first Monday in March is declared a public holiday in celebration of the anniversary of the birthday of the Territory’s first Chief Minister. He died on May 14, 1995.