ROADTOWN Tortola BVI,  April 20th, 2012   –  Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE joins the Territory in remembering the life of Mr. Stoutt who will be laid to rest tomorrow at the Cappoon’s Bay cemetery, following a funeral service at the Zion Hill Methodist Church; viewing is from 9:00a.m. - 10:30a.m. followed by the church service.

Premier Smith said, “This Territory will always remember Easter Saturday 2012 as the day of the passing of yet another “BVI Giant” – Elvin ‘Soupy’ Stoutt.”

Mr. Stoutt who passed on Saturday April 7, 2012 is a retired public officer who served as a school teacher, principal and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works and was a member of the Public Service Commission.

Premier Smith told the Department of Information and Public Relations that as a former principal of the Alexandrina Maduro Primary School, Mr. Stoutt left his footprint and philosophy that teachers and parents must collaborate and work closely in raising a child.

“He was one who firmly believed that it took a village to raise a child,” Premier said.

“As former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Mr. Stoutt was known to be a 'go-getter', a very committed and productive public officer, who believed in giving his all to the development this Territory,” he explained.

He said, “One could say his passion for service led him to politics and although he ran unsuccessfully, he continued to put 'service above self' serving in the capacity as a member of PSC helping to strategically place qualified BVIslanders throughout the public service.”

Premier Smith further added that as an entrepreneur in the hospitality and agricultural industries, Mr. Stoutt believed in adding value to the customer experience.

“For years, visitors to our shores experiencing the hospitality of his villas, not only returned again and again, but became some of the Territory's best ambassadors as they told others about the real BVI.”

He said he specifically remembers Mr. Stoutt’s bountiful harvest of mangoes, avocado pears and bananas that he shared with many friends and relatives.

“He derived a special pride and pleasure from cultivating these with his own skills,” he added.

Premier concluded, “I will miss him as a close friend of my family: his words of wisdom, our frank and open discussions, his wit and good humour will long be remembered. I could always count on him to be outgoing, fearless, influential, assertive but easygoing, passionate, and supportive and loyal.”

On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, Premier Smith extends deepest condolences to the family of the Late Mr. Elvin ‘Soupy’ Stoutt.

 
 
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