Acting Premier pays tribute to former Legislator Prince Stoutt

~~Adz:Left~~ Roadtown, Tortola - Acting Premier Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC today paid tribute to former legislator, the late Mr. Prince Stoutt, who passed away today at Peebles Hospital at the age of 87.

Honourable Penn said “the Territory has lost another of our fine sons, a real soldier and a true architect of the Territory.” She added that Mr. Stoutt was a great friend with a great sense of humour. “I will miss our pleasant encounters,” she told the Department of Information and Public Relations.

The Acting Premier also extended her profound sympathy to his surviving relatives. “I wish to extend condolences on behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands and my family to his widow, Esmie, his children and to his entire family.”

The Acting Premier recalled that during his time in office, “one of the major challenges was infrastructure, improving the Territory’s roads and this was critically important.”

She added that Mr. Stoutt “has left us a great legacy, not only in the House of Assembly but in the second district and through his children.” She concluded by saying “we are poorer for his loss.” 

Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE who is London for a series of meetings, is also saddened to learn of the death of Mr. Prince Stoutt.

Mr. Stoutt was first elected to the Legislative Council in 1977 as the member for the second electoral district. He was re-elected in 1979 as a member of the ninth legislature. During his tenure, Mr. Stoutt focussed on infrastructural development, particularly the roads in his district and he also helped in providing homes for the needy.