VI stalwart Dr Robert A. Mathavious awarded OBE
Dr Mathavious, the outgoing Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC), has had a 40-year plus career as a public servant in the territory.
The recognition comes as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honour List of 2020 where some 1,495 people were honoured, with 72% having worked tirelessly for their local communities.
Years of Service to VI
During his distinguished career, Dr Mathavious has served the VI nobly as Deputy Financial Secretary from 1980 to 1985, Financial Secretary from 1985 to 1991, as Director of Financial Services from 1993 to 2001 and steadfastly, as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the BVI Financial Services Commission from January 2002.
Over those decades, has worked seamlessly with different Chief Ministers and Premiers serving as the Chief Advisor on financial services, through the many challenges and triumphs of the Territory.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in offering congratulations on the honour, thanked Dr Mathavious for his commitment to the industry and said the recognition is yet another example of what Virgin Islanders are capable of achieving.
Commitment to VI Financial Service
“Dr Mathavious is the embodiment of this wisdom and selflessness and I know that even after retirement, a great part of his legacy will live on throughout the rest of time in those able professionals whom he has shaped through his leadership, tutelage and foresight, and those touched indirectly by the fruits of his work,” Premier Fahie said.
The Premier said the OBE award comes under the heels of a statement he made in the Virgin Islands (VI) Fourth House of Assembly during the Tenth Sitting of the Second Session on Friday, June 19, 2020, entitle titled: Appreciation – Dr Robert Mathavious, LLD.
According to the Leader of Government Business, while Dr Mathavious had indicated his decision to retire from the Commission, effective December 31, 2020, he remains one of the most brilliant professionals with a life dedicated to public service, having held some of the highest offices in this country.
Dr Mathavious cultivated entire industry – Premier Fahie
Hon Fahie said Financial Services industry practitioners, locally and abroad, now owe Dr Mathavious a profound debt of gratitude for his extraordinary service, leadership and mentorship.
This year's OBE honours focused on COVID-19 service, in addition to unwavering commitment and dedication to the local community.
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25 Responses to “VI stalwart Dr Robert A. Mathavious awarded OBE”
Moreover, under his tenure, many locals have been excluded from owning their own financial services business, by virtue of the sky high licensing fees. $30,000 for registered agent licence fee and $250,000 for a Class 1 Trust Company License. There are many other things that have occurred during his tenure, including the chasing away of our captive insurance market, lack of diversification in financial service products due to overly-burdensome regulations, which is now negatively impacting our economy, while others like Cayman Islands, Bermuda, etc., thrive.
In light of this, how can it be right to give him an OBE?
God bless you sir
One man cannot do it all. Everyone has someone to report to. At the end of the day God and Mr. Mac ‘s own conscience will be the judge.
Let God and your own conscience judge you.
It has more OBE in the BVI who are also selfish and undeserving. Truth is the dam government might think he can actually be governor or some sh*****t. Overrated people like them get reward for nothing. Im not hating just fed up of the stupid cycle. Congratulations anyway.
Robert is deserving of the honour that has been bestowed upon him, and so much more. During his decades of meritorious service to our Territory and its people, he has walked with royalty, and people in high places; he has mingled with the downtrodden and the pauper alike, and he has never lost the common touch.
Knowing my friend, he would be the last person to readily accept a high honour such as this one. To have been maligned by the handful of jealous bloggers out there in cyberworld who have risen up to tear him down, is downright despicable.
As I join the myriad of proud BVIslanders and BVI residents who applaud this humble son of the soil, I wish to remind the naysayers of Matthew 5:3-12 in the Holy Bible. I remind them to give honour where it is due, and of the well-remembered admonition of our elders: 'if you don't have anything good to say, shut up!'
Finally, I look forward with great anticipation to the next step, being the day when my friend is knighted in recognition of the selfless service and personal sacrifices he has made, for the benefit of all who call this island paradise home.
Well done, good and faithful servant!
His position was the most ceremonial one while the expats do the work and fatten them pocket and take them money overseas. Locals should be better off from the industry but they are not. Please if he could give back the OBE. He is the master of all master of the same Old Bulls**** Everyday (OBE). Happy OBE day.
While you are entitled to your comments, I totally disagree with you.
It would be nice if you understood Financial Services Business and why certain legislation had to be passed.
I have the highest respect for Mr.Mac.
He ensured that local BVI landers were trained in the business and always had a succession plan in place.
The top posts in FSC are held by BVIslanders.
Congratulations Mr. Mathavious. Well done!!!
Congrats, Mr. Mac! You have served our country with distinction!