Legacy of H.L. Stoutt lives on! [Photoslide Included]
Earlier this morning, the 11th Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony took place at his burial site at the Capoon’s Bay Cemetery where several dignitaries gathered to pay tribute to the Territory’s first Chief Minister.
Those laying wreaths included Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith, First District Representative Hon. Andrew A. Fahie who also represented the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, who was absent, Preston Stoutt, son of the late H.L. Stout two represented the family and Glenroy Forbes of the BVI Investment Club.
Other dignitaries present at the annual event were Deputy Premier Hon. Dr. Kedrick Pickering, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Ronnie Skelton, Minister for Education Hon. Myron Walwyn and 8th District Representative Hon. Marlon Penn.
Following a service at the burial site and wreath laying, another ceremony took place at the Capoon’s Bay field where tributes poured out for the late Chief Minister. Several cultural entertainment was also provided during the ceremony including a traditional dance by the Enis Adams Primary School and the bell ringers of the Leonora Delville Primary
Several older folks were seen enjoying taking turns to pitch marbles including Premier Smith. As for the top spinning Minister for Health and Social Development also had a good time trying to out-spin some of the pro-spinners.
The Razor Blades are providing entertainment for the fun day which helped to set the ambiance for a fun-filled day of cultural entertainment and fun.
Children were also seen paying keen interest in learning to spin the tops while others were taking the opportunity to read information displayed on the late H.L. Stoutt.
The BVI Investment Club also had a booth where they were busy preparing to make potato pudding and had already started a bush fire to complete their traditional meal.
Hamilton Lavity Stoutt (7 March 1929 – 14 May 1995) was the first and longest serving Chief Minister of the Virgin Islands, winning four general elections and serving three non-consecutive terms of office from 1967 to 1971, again from 1981 to 1983 and again from 1986 until his death in 1995.
On February 1, 2000, under the leadership of the then Chief Minister, Hon. R. T. O’Neal OBE, the Legislative Council passed a resolution abolishing the public holiday commemorating the birthday of the Heir to the Throne and instituting a new public holiday in honour of the late Chief Minister, Hamilton Lavity Stoutt. As a result, the first Monday in March is now observed as Hamilton Lavity Stoutt Birthday.
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