Mr Kenneth Baker, Managing Director and CEO of the BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC), paid tribute to the late Dr Robert A. Mathavious, OBE, who he said impacted the lives of those he came in contact with. Photo: Facebook

Scenes from the Official Celebration of Life for the late Dr Robert A. Mathavious, OBE, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Multipurpose Sports Complex. Photo: Facebook

Scenes from the Official Celebration of Life for the late Dr Robert A. Mathavious, OBE, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Multipurpose Sports Complex. Photo: Facebook

Dr Robert A. Mathavious, OBE, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida, after experiencing declining health for the past five years. Photo: GIS/File

The Official Celebration of Life for the late Dr Robert A. Mathavious, OBE, was held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Multipurpose Sports Complex. 

The celebration was held under the theme ‘Revered at Home • Respected Abroad • Remembered Forever’, and many colleagues in the financial services sector paid tribute to the late Dr Mathavious, who passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in the United States following a lengthy battle with illness.

He created a space for us to feel valued & flourish

Mr Baker, who came to the then Financial Services Department in 2000, said 25 years working in the same organisation is a long time, especially today, when many people change jobs before finding their footing. 

“I am not the only long-serving employee at the commission, a testament to the space that Mr Math created for those under him to feel valued and to flourish.”

According to Mr Baker, Dr Mathavious nurtured platforms at the commission, including mentorship, exposure to new responsibilities and experiences, and support for further and relevant training.

'Sincere & honest'

He also highlighted his former boss’ treatment of employees as competent professionals with the capacity to ably make decisions and make meaningful contributions to the FSC and the industry it serves. 

“Mr Math was not only sincere and honest, but he also led with integrity and purpose…Mr Math was a man who caused crowds to part when he stepped into a room…people flocked around him to benefit from any wisdom he chose to share.”

The late Dr Mathavious was the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the BVI Financial Services Commission. He also served as Financial Secretary in the public service and was an inaugural member of the Integrity Commission.

Widely recognised as a pioneer of the Virgin Islands’ financial services industry, Dr Mathavious played a pivotal role in shaping the Territory’s regulatory framework and global reputation as a respected international financial centre.

The family’s celebration of Mr Mathavious’ life is taking place today, Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Road Town Methodist Church. Viewing will commence at 9:00 AM, followed by the service at 10:30 AM.