Robert Mathavious, the first managing director and CEO of the Financial Services Commission, died on Sunday, Sept. 14.
He was 73 years old.
Sometimes dubbed the “father of financial services” in the Virgin Islands, Mr. Mathavious provided leadership that reached beyond the sector to leave an impact on the territory as a whole, according to the FSC.
“[Mr.] Mathavious is partly responsible for the high standard of living that residents in the territory enjoy as a result of the advent and successes of the financial services sector,” the FSC stated in a tribute. “Given the multiplier effect, his contributions are evident in socioeconomic development, infrastructural projects, per-capita income, and the standard of living enjoyed by many.”
Public service
Before serving as the FSC’s inaugural leader, Mr. Mathavious worked as deputy financial secretary in the 1980s and later held the post of financial secretary. In 1993, he was appointed the director of financial services in the Ministry of Finance.
In such posts, he was instrumental in establishing the FSC in 2001. At the new agency’s helm, he continued to shape the financial services sector for nearly two decades before retiring in 2020.
The same year, Mr. Mathavious received the Order of the British Empire when he was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
“In every role, he distinguished himself as more than a pioneer,” Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said Tuesday in the House of Assembly. “He was a visionary whose leadership was instrumental in shaping the Virgin Islands into one of the world’s most respected financial services jurisdictions.”
Mr. Wheatley also noted Mr. Mathavious’ broad impact on the territory.
“His contributions went beyond management, regulation and compliance,” the premier said. “He mentored generations of professionals, championed the rule of law and safeguarded the Virgin Islands’ credibility during times of challenge and change.”
‘Vision’
After Mr. Wheatley spoke, Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn gave a tribute in the HOA.
“It is no overstatement to say, Madam Speaker, that the Virgin Islands we know today — with its internationally respected financial services industry, its robust public institutions and its strategic global presence — owes a significant part of its progress to the vision, dedication and unyielding service of Dr. Mathavious,” he said.
Ten other HOA members also paid tribute to Mr. Mathavious at the end of Tuesday’s sitting.
Other service
Besides his work in the financial sector, Mr. Mathavious served in more than 20 philanthropic groups over the years in addition to helping found the Youth Boys Brigade, according to Government Information Services.
Following the 2017 hurricanes, he also helped establish the Recovery and Development Agency and served as its chairman.
“The territory has lost not only one of its most stellar and brilliant sons, but a visionary whose foresight and leadership were far ahead of his time,” FSC Chairman Gerard Farara said Monday.
Mr. Mathavious is survived by his wife Prudence and their daughter Jadyn.
Details about his funeral have not been announced.
British Caribbean News
