Former school teacher and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC) Dr Robert A. Mathavious has received honours from the Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) for his sterling contributions to the VI’s financial services sector and economic development. Photo: GIS/File

At the ceremony entitled, 'The House that Dr Mathavious built,’ which was held on Monday, November 15, 2021, at the auditorium of the Eileen L. Parsons Auditorium at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Dr Mathavious was celebrated with music, singing, tributes and a documentary presentation that saluted and chronicled his life in the sector. Photo: GIS/Facebook

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Government was Acting Premier, Dr. The Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) who saluted Dr Mathavious for his sterling contributions to the VI and Financial sector. Photo: GIS/Facebook

Dr Mathavious has served the territory for nearly 40 years across the financial sector and was widely known as the 'Chief Architect' behind the development of the VI’s financial services sector, which now contributes more than 60% to the territory’s GDP.

Public Service celebration

At the ceremony entitled, 'The House that Dr Mathavious built,’ which was held on Monday, November 15, 2021, at the auditorium of the Eileen L. Parsons Auditorium at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Dr Mathavious was celebrated with music, singing, tributes and a documentary presentation that saluted and chronicled his life in the sector.

Dr Mathavious was the key advocator for the establishment of the Financial Service Commission which he served as Managing Director of since its inception and also held multiple positions in the public service over the past 40 years.

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Government was Acting Premier, Dr The Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who saluted Dr Mathavious for his sterling contributions to the VI and its financial sector.

Calling him a ‘Giant of a Man,’ Dr Wheatley said as a member of the VI community, Dr Mathavious has dedicated a significant portion of his life to building something greater than himself that, in scale and impact, has been felt across the entire VI and world.

Dr Mathavious a 'Chief Architect' of VI

“Today it is my great honour as Acting Premier to pay tribute to one of the Chief Architects of financial services in the Virgin Islands, for his outstanding contributions in this sector which have resonated far beyond our shores.

“Young person such as myself, primarily know Doctor Mathavious for his contributions in financial services, however, his public service career actually began as a teacher, specifically an Assistant Teacher and Lab Master at the BVI High School,” Hon Wheatley said.

According to Dr Wheatley, Dr Mathavious' exceptional leadership has grown the VI into an international finance center that is highly trusted and recognised by international businesses that provide numerous employment and economic opportunities for the VI people.

“It was his philosophy that the Virgin Islands must continuously adapt to change. That has helped the territory to earn international recognition as a jurisdiction that implements and adhered to international standards while at the same time remaining competitive,” Dr Wheatley said.

Dr Mathavious awarded OBE

In October 2020, Dr Mathavious became a recipient of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honours for his contributions to financial services in the VI.

Dr Mathavious has also made invaluable contributions in the voluntary sector too, serving more than 20 philanthropic groups, including supporting the elderly and establishing the Youth Boys Brigade.

Dr Mathavious was also regarded a 'National Hero’ by the Government for his sterling contributions to the VI as well as an inspiration to the people of the territory.