Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has paid tribute to the late first lady, Mrs Hilda E. Stoutt for the important role she played during the tenure of the territory’s first Chief Minister, the late H. Lavity Stoutt. Photo: Team of Reporters

The late Chief Minister of the Virgin Islands H. Lavity Stoutt has been hailed as a visionary leader. Photo: Wikipedia

Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) laid a wreath at the grave of H. L. Stoutt in Cappoon's Bay Burial Ground on March 7, 2022. Photo: VINO

During the 27th annual memorial celebration for H. Lavity Stoutt and Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cappoon's Bay burial site on Monday, March 7, 2022, the Premier requested a moment of silence for the late former first lady who passed away on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital at the age of 84.

He said it was important that she be recognised, “because we always see the leader but we never see the true leader.”

He continued: “The true leader is the one, not the one behind, not on the side but on the front, which in this case- being a male- is his wife. Today is about H.L. but really and truly H.L. couldn’t be H.L. without H.S, Mrs Hilda Stoutt.”

Fuel to the Chief Minister

“She was like his gas station that whenever he ran out of fuel he and he goes home or he sees her, she just fill him up. Whenever they say that she couldn’t do something she was that energiser that would put the fuel in him and let him know that yes you can,” the Premier stated.

The Premier pointed to projects like the H. L. Stoutt Community College in Paraquita Bay, Tortola which he said despite the staunch opposition he faced, the late Chief Minister had to do it for generations to come.

“They ridiculed him but when he went home she was that gas station that said 'H.L. yes you can.'"

He said similarly, like the “Buff Road” now called the Blackburn Highway “couldn’t be done because it was a mountain and they were saying he can’t.”

“His wife encouraged him when he went home that 'yes you can'. His love for Hilda and Hilda’s love for him is what we see in the Virgin Islands,” the Premier added.

The late E. Hilda Stoutt was buried close to the grave of H.L. Stoutt's.

During the ceremony yesterday, there were several musical entertainments including by Dr Arliene T. Penn, Noveau Royale, and Althea Scatliffe Primary School.

Among those present at the ceremony were the Governor His Excellency John J. Rankin CMG, Cabinet Ministers, backbenchers, Members of the Opposition and other government officials.