Virgin Islands residents grooved to music Sunday night as they celebrated the legacy of Hamilton Lavity Stoutt on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the public holiday honouring the late politician’s birthday.
The free concert, which was held outdoors at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, featured performances by more than a dozen singers alongside dances and videos about Mr. Stoutt, who was the territory’s first chief minister.
The following day, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at his grave at Cappoons Bay Cemetery.
“I think it’s important to tell the story of your people, and H.L. Stoutt, he was a great man in his own stead,” HLSCC President Richard Georges told the Beacon. “But by honouring him annually, we are doing the work of reinforcing in our minds that great change is possible. You know: Great vision, great projects, great initiatives that improve the lives of all Virgin Islanders are possible.”
Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN-
Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN
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Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN
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Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN
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Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN
Holiday’s history
The public holiday is observed on the first Monday of March in honour of Mr. Stoutt’s birthday on March 7, 1929. While the holiday has been celebrated since Mr. Stoutt’s death on May 14, 1995, Sunday was the first time a major concert has been organised as part of the commemoration.
Mr. Georges said it was fitting for the concert to be held at HLSCC, which was founded under Mr. Stoutt’s tenure in 1990 and later named after him.
“He had a lot of firsts, and he established a lot of things in the territory,” Mr. Georges said, adding, “But in terms of a monument to his memory, I think the college is that greatest monument. This main building, this campus, these grounds and this endeavour of providing tertiary education to the territory is the greatest homage that we can pay to that memory.”
Proceeds from food, drink and t-shirt sales at the event will go toward supporting the college, Mr. Georges said.
Tributes
Among the performers was VI calypsonian Joycelyn “Sistah Joyce” Searles, whose set included a tribute to Mr. Stoutt.
Audience members bopped their heads as she sang about the late leader’s background and accomplishments.
“Yes, he only finished primary school level, but no one could imagine what he would come and do,” she sang while two dancers twirled on stage carrying cutouts depicting Mr. Stoutt. “He would rise up, dominate to make history as the first chief minister in this territory. My tribute to Lavity.”
Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN-
Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN
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Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN
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Photos: ALLISON VAUGHN
Four-hour concert
Other performers at the concert, which lasted more than four hours, included Virgin Gorda native Adam O, 2011 X-Factor winner Melanie Amaro, gospel singer Gabrielle Denae, who is Mr. Stoutt’s grandniece, and many others.
Organised by the Premier’s Office, the concert was livestreamed on the government’s YouTube page.
On Monday, a livestream of the wreath-laying ceremony was broadcast on the government’s Facebook page as well.
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