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Dr Robert A. Mathavious 'was a titan of integrity & innovation'- Premier Wheatley

Dr Robert A. Mathavious has been remembered as a titan of integrity and innovation. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said Dr Robert A. Mathavious' legacy will forever guide our future. Photo: GIS/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said Dr Robert A. Mathavious' legacy will forever guide our future. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has paid tribute to the late Dr Robert A. Mathavious, remembering him as a titan of integrity and innovation, whose legacy will forever guide the future of the Virgin Islands.

In a statement issued today, September 15, 2025, the Government expressed profound sorrow and extended condolences on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands to Dr Mathavious' wife, Prudence, his daughter, Jaydn, and his extended family, following his passing.

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.

Before leading the Financial Services Commission as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mathavious served as the Territory's Financial Secretary. Throughout his career, he distinguished himself as a pioneer and visionary. His leadership was crucial in establishing the Virgin Islands as one of the world's most respected financial services jurisdictions.

Dr Mathavious 'championed the rule of law'

"His decades of service were marked by integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, which earned him deep respect and recognition at home and across the globe. His contributions went beyond management, regulation, and compliance. He mentored generations of professionals, championed the rule of law, and safeguarded the Virgin Islands' credibility during times of challenge and change," Premier Wheatley stated.

Further, Premier Wheatley said Dr Mathavious was a titan of integrity and innovation whose legacy will forever guide our future. He understood that our reputation was our greatest currency and worked tirelessly to ensure that the Virgin Islands stood tall among international financial centres.

"Because of his vision and strong foundation, our financial services industry will continue to thrive as a global leader, carrying forward Dr Robert Mathavious's indelible legacy," Premier Wheatley stated.

11 Responses to “Dr Robert A. Mathavious 'was a titan of integrity & innovation'- Premier Wheatley”

  • tom (15/09/2025, 16:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Rest old bouy
  • ball orbit (15/09/2025, 23:05) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    A true legacy of integrity and innovation — Dr. Mathavious will be remembered with great respect
  • BRAD BOYNES (16/09/2025, 06:39) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    So hypocritical. Hope some of his integrity rub off on you and the entire house of assembly and by extension the entire virgin islands. Words are very self serving. RIP Doc Mathavious.
    • @ Brad Boynes (16/09/2025, 07:52) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      the answer may be as simple as reintroducing the concept of dignity into our political culture.
  • He was a good man (16/09/2025, 10:42) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    This man deserves a state funeral
  • E. Leonard (16/09/2025, 21:10) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dr. Macthavious, schoolmate at Anglican school, and Road Town Primary, was a trailblazer, visionary, exemplary, etc., leader, and manager, demonstrating the ability/Midas Touch, to get things done effectively with action(s) and positive outcomes. He was a behemoth in the Financial Services industries, working tirelessly to position the Virgin Islands( British) as a leader in the industry. Metaphorically, he designed and built an exemplary Financial Services House on a structurally sound foundation with the ability to resist vertical, horizontal, bending moments, shear, bearing etc, forces coming from various eternal agencies. He was well-respected in the financial services industry. He leaves behind an enduring legacy, if the baton is smoothly taken, maintaining, updating, keeping and operating the industry at the tip of the spear. Dr. Mac leaves behind some BIG shoes to fill. May his legacy lives on and may he rest easy in eternal peace.
    • RealPol (17/09/2025, 09:09) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      @E. Leonard, good read. Your point out that there is a difference between leadership and management is noted. Leadership and management and different sides of the same coin. One cannot be effective leader without being an effective manager and vice versa. Dr. Mac demonstrated the ability to perform both effectively. Additionally, the metaphor of equating the financial services house built by Dr. Mac to a building a house on a strong foundation with restrictive forces is powerful and on point. The strength of the financial house fends off attack from eternal forces is similar to a house foundation resisting inherent forces, positing the BVI as a leader in the industry. Well done Dr. Mac.
      • RealPol (17/09/2025, 11:43) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        Correction: restrictive should have read resisting; eternal should have read external.
    • @E. Leonard (17/09/2025, 13:15) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      @E. Leonard, KISS ( Keep It Simple Stupid), nah. You know duncy heads like me don’t understand dem vertical, horizontal, bending moment, shear, bearing, etc, building house forces. Them tings for the elitist, smart people who use simile, metaphors, analogies, etc and other figures of speeches. Most ahwe cannot dive that deep. Lol. Ah yu does go way and don’t come back, loving the country from afar. Most of the VI/BVI diaspora tun dem back pun the BVI, contributing nada. Dem cum back to weddings, funerals, festival, family reunions, settle property disputes,,etc and cannot wait to get out of town. The BVI becomes too small and backward for dem rass. In a way, I can’t blame ayu for we Virgin Islanders are some bad mined, jealous,,self-hating, ‘ high-thought Ed’ muda s…unts who prefer others over dem own. We attitude is resulting in we losing influence and control in the BVI rock by rock, quickly becoming a minority in the territory. Dr. Mac work was commendable but it was little oasis in the desert maison. We either wake up and change or become extinct like the Caribs and Arawaks. I fear vindictiveness, retribution, etc, so I cannot reveal my identity. Hope you respond to my frustrated, disappointed rant. See you around the campus olde boi.
  • @ ball orbit (16/09/2025, 21:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hey see you got a new name again for 2025 and using words from my blogg and throwing mine in the garbage , how low can you get ? / blondie is you ah mean
  • legacy (17/09/2025, 01:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dr. Robert Mathavious has left a legacy of hard work, devotion to country and national pride. He embodied so much that should b emulated in our young professionals and students alike. The most important of his attributes in my opinion being his focus towards excellence in the Financial Services Sector and growing and building the skill sets of Virgin Island4ers to meet our country's bourgeoning needs. He encouraged and uplifted; blessed are those who got to sit at his feet.


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