Roadtown, Tortola - A procession and celebration ceremony honouring the Territory’s first Chief Minister, H. Lavity Stoutt, will mark the 14th anniversary of his passing.
The events will take place on Monday, March 2, the public holiday established in his name.
Director of Culture Mrs. Luce Hodge-Smith, who is coordinating the events on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Culture and in collaboration with the H. L. Stoutt Commemorative Committee, is urging the public to join the commemoration.
Mrs. Hodge-Smith said the activities are planned to be more centralised than in past years and as such will take place in Road Town. “We will begin at the House of Assembly with a march led by a drum corp. The march will feature schools and community organisations,” she said.
“The march begins at 8:30 a.m. and will follow along Fishlock Road to Waterfront Drive, turning left at the Palm Grove Shopping Centre to the Palm Grove Park,” Mrs. Hodge-Smith said.
Following the procession, people will gather at the park for a ceremony. It will be chaired by Minister for Education and Culture and First District Representative, Honourable Andrew Fahie and will feature remarks by the Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE.
There will also be songs by the H. L. Stoutt Commemorative Choir, a selection by the HLSCC Steel Band and a special poem dedication by community member Ms. Phyllis Mercer. The celebration ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. directly after the march.
“We have worked hard to put together a short and enjoyable programme and I do encourage everyone to give an hour or two to celebrate the life of this man who has given us so much,” Mrs. Hodge-Smith said.
She also added that a wreath will be laid at Mr. Stoutt’s gravesite on his actual birthday, March 7.
Hamilton Lavity Stoutt died on Mother’s Day 1995 and was buried ten days later on May 24 in a state funeral. Following Mr. Stoutt’s death, a public holiday was declared in his memory for his birthday on March 7.
British Virgin Islands News