'One enemy is too much' - Ralph T. O'Neal, OBE
During annual celebrations of the former leader’s birth anniversary held at the college named in his honour, Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith said the Virgin Islands grew tremendously during the Lavity Stoutt era.
As the Territory’s first Chief Minister, Mr Stoutt won five general elections and served for three non-consecutive terms from 1967 until his death in 1995.
“Clinics were opened in all districts, the Fire Department was opened with smaller stations elsewhere, tourism flourished, roads were built opening up the entire Territory to development and the BVI built its first community college…” Dr Smith told a gathering at the College’s Eileene L. Parsons auditorium.
Dr Smith reminded persons that Mr Stoutt, apart from having his notable and remarkable vision, always found a way to ‘make things happen’ in the Territory at every chance.
“What should never change is who we are as a people, the values and traditions we hold dear should always remain close to our hearts and minds,” Dr Smith remarked while observing that conditions have changed since that time.
According to Dr Smith, the Territory has changed drastically from what it was sixty years ago and the population has almost quadrupled since that time. He related that as the older generation passes away, it seems as if the Territory is moving further and further away from those values.
He challenged residents to get involved in their communities and remember Mr Stoutt for his qualities and who he was, “ask yourself what you can do to make life better for the children of your neighbourhood and for the elderly,” he said.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, remembered the former Chief Minister for his contribution to the economy among other things and said Mr Stoutt had a slogan that he used to good effect – “we make one dollar do the work of two”.
Hon. O’Neal said leaders of yesteryear, such as Mr Stoutt, laid the foundation that is currently being built upon and helped the Territory become the prosperous place that it has become today.
The Virgin Islands Party leader said he would like to see a collection of the various phrases that Mr Stoutt used such as, “one enemy is too much” as he felt persons could find use for them today.
Education Minister Hon. Myron V. Walwyn said the observations of the former Chief Minister’s birth anniversary took a different approach this year because organisers wanted to give residents a chance to enjoy the afternoon session with their family.
He said the former leader made a significant contribution to the Territory that can still be seen today. “We have a lot to thank Mr Stoutt about,” he said.
Musical tributes came from various artistes, including Ouida, Trinity, Ca’Sandra, Jeremy Vanterpool, McKenzie Baltimore, Reuben Chinnery and the Lashing Dogs among others.
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