Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) stated that the late Hon. H. Lavity Stoutt believed that the Virgin Islands and its people could stand tall among nations. Photo: Facebook

This morning, the Virgin Islands honored the First Chief Minister and National Hero, the late Hon. H. Lavity Stoutt, through the 31st National Wreath Laying Ceremony at Cappoon’s Bay Cemetery on Monday, March 9, 2026. Photo: Facebook

During the ceremony, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley addressed the attendees, saying, “H. Lavity Stoutt's vision did not stop at education. He strengthened our infrastructure, expanded our ports, and modernized our public service. He laid the groundwork for the financial services industry that sustains us today.” Photo: Facebook

This morning, Monday, March 9, 2026, the Virgin Islands honoured the first Chief Minister and National Hero, the late Hon. H. Lavity Stoutt, through the 31st National Wreath Laying Ceremony at Cappoon’s Bay Cemetery.

'H. Lavity Stoutt's did not stop at education'

During the ceremony, Premier Wheatley addressed the attendees, saying, “H. Lavity Stoutt's vision did not stop at education. He strengthened our infrastructure, expanded our ports, and modernised our public service. He laid the groundwork for the financial services industry that sustains us today.”

Wheatley further remarked, "H. Lavity Stoutt believed that the Virgin Islands and its people could stand tall among nations not because of size, but because of strength of character, clarity of purpose, and unity of people and he worked tirelessly to make that belief a reality."

'Virgin Islanders encouraged to look beyond the past'

The theme for the 31st Commemorative Celebration honouring National Hero, the late Hon. H. Lavity Stoutt, was 'A Legacy in Motion - The Generation Yet Unborn'.

Hon. Wheatley noted that this year's theme encourages us to look beyond the past and into the future. He emphasised that a “legacy in motion” serves as a reminder that the work of nation-building is never complete.

The Premier called on Virgin Islanders to remember that the decisions made today will shape the lives of children who have not yet entered this world.

"We are custodians, not owners of this territory's destiny," he emphasised stating also that,  "H. Lavity Stoutt lived with that understanding. He planted seeds he knew he would never see fully grown. He built institutions. He knew would outlive him. He fought battles, not for himself, but for those who would come after."