VI remembers H. Lavity Stoutt today
He was born Hamilton Lavity Stoutt on March 7, 1929, in Long Bay, Tortola and in 1956 married Hilda E. Stoutt. The marriage produced six children; three sons and three daughters.
Contributions to the VI
The late Hon Stoutt was first elected into political office in the Legislative Council in 1957. He became the Territory’s first Chief Minister and Education Minister in 1967 upon the adoption of the 1967 Constitution.
Hailed as the father of the modern Virgin Islands, during his political career, he is credited with building schoolhouses, airport developments- most notably Anegada in 1969, the Social Security Programme in 1980, the 1990 Jost Van Dyke Fire Station, the Deep-water Harbour development and cruise ship pier in 1993, the Central Administration Complex in 1994, including expanding access to electricity, improved roads and other infrastructural works.
Wanting more for his people, the late Hon Stoutt’s mission was to have post-secondary school access on the Virgin Islands. His vision became a reality with the opening of the BVI Community College in 1991. It was renamed the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in 1993.
The late Hon Stoutt also served as Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Natural Resources (1975-79) and Leader of the Opposition (1971-75, 1983-86).
VI remembers H. Lavity Stoutt
The late Hon Stoutt died on May 14, 1995, leaving behind an incredible legacy of service to the people of the Virgin Islands; he received a state funeral.
The first Monday of March each year has been declared a national holiday as the Territory remembers him.
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4 Responses to “VI remembers H. Lavity Stoutt today”
May his legacy lives on in our heart, and may our present political leaders learn that higher educational skills demand greater service for all our people best interest, not only the selected few.
Our late Chief minister mentioned above commonly used the following phased: "My people", in reference to the citizens of the B.V.I. His main focus was for the betterment of their lives. But can we honestly say the same of our political present leaders? No.
Rest in peace Hon. Hamilton Lavity. Stout. May the good works you have done speak well of your faith to your Creator.