Premier Dr. Orlando Smith placed a wreath by Hamilton Lavity Stoutt’s grave in Cappoons Bay during a memorial ceremony honouring the late politician on Monday morning. Photo KATIE KING

Opposition Leader Andrew Fahie, who was speaking at a memorial ceremony honouring Hamilton Lavity Stoutt on Monday morning, said he wouldn’t even attempt to discuss all of the late leader’s achievements.

Premier Dr. Orlando Smith placed a wreath by Hamilton Lavity Stoutt’s grave in Cappoons Bay during a memorial ceremony honouring the late politician on Monday morning. Photo KATIE KING
“The list of his accomplishments is endless,” he explained.

Mr. Stoutt, whose March 7 birthday has been celebrated as a public holiday in the Virgin Islands since 1999, certainly had no shortage of successes.

He was the territory’s first chief minister, a position he held for more than 16 years, and he is credited with establishing the cruise ship pier, the Central Administration Building and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

But Mr. Fahie said what he admired most about the politician was his devotion to God.

“He allowed the Lord to use him to better the Virgin Islands,” he said.

Premier Dr. Orlando Smith and Education and Culture Minister Myron Walwyn also spoke at the two-hour event, which was held by Mr. Stoutt’s grave in Cappoons Bay.

See the March 9, 2017 edition for full coverage.

{fcomment}