This reminder was given by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) during brief remarks at the H. Lavity Stoutt Commemorative Celebration Church Service held at Zion Hill Methodist Church on Sunday, March 5, 2023.

H.L. Stoutt was a lay preacher in Zion Hill Methodist Church located in the First District that he represented for 5 terms, beginning in 1967. He died in 1995 while still serving as Chief Minister.

Dr Wheatley, the Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) which was founded by Mr Stoutt over 52 years ago, noted that he was not only honoured to be in the church where H.L. Stoutt served but also stand before the people in the District the late Chief Minister represented.

The ‘vision lives on’

The Premier noted that while H.L. Stoutt has been gone from us for a number of decades, his vision lives on “and we have a duty to ensure that his vision lives on in all of us. His vision lives on in you, his vision lives on in me.”

Dr Wheatley added that, while the VI has gone through very tough times in recent times, We have a duty to ensure we continue the building of this great little nation as one former legislator always says.

“And it certainly behooves all of us to ensure we do our part in continuing the strong legacy established by H.L. Stoutt.”

Among those at the church service were Governor John J. Rankin, Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer, At Large Representative Hon Carvin Malone, and Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA.

Some of the events held as part of the Commemoration Celebration for H. Lavity Stoutt.