Police officers, firefighters, students and musicians marched along Flemming Street Monday morning in honour of H. Lavity Stoutt’s birthday. (Photo: CHRYSTALL KANYUCK)

It was standing room only Monday as residents gathered to commemorate the birthday of the man who may be the most storied statesman of the territory: Hamilton Lavity Stoutt. The first and longest-serving chief minister would have been 82 years old this year, and members of his family, government officials and students were among those who paid tribute at the celebration.

In her remarks welcoming the crowd, Irene Penn-O’Neal (R-at large), quoted Mr. Stoutt’s famous reference to his own popularity.

“I don’t have one enemy. I would consider one enemy too many. I have friends galore. I am the lover-boy of the people of the British Virgin Islands,” Ms. Penn read.

After a march from the House of Assembly building to the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, residents gathered in folding chairs under pop-up tents for shade to take in the event.

The celebration also included performances from the HLS Memorial Choir, the Althea Scatliffe Primary School Boys Choir, and Step dancers from HLSCC, plus speeches from Premier Ralph O’Neal, former permanent secretary to Mr. Stoutt Lorna Smith and Mr. Stoutt’s son, Preston Stoutt.

See next Thursday’s edition for full coverage.