H.R.H. The Duke of York arrives at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC).
With him are HLSCC President, Dr. Charles Wheatley,
Chief Minister O’Neal, and H.E. Governor Frank Savage [GIS photo]

10th Anniversary Plaque Unveiled At HLSCC

Tribute was paid to late Chief Minister the Honourable Hamilton Lavity Stoutt for his vision, which led to the establishment of the territory's tertiary education institution. The College, named in his honour, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year and was graced by the presence of His Royal Highness The Duke of York on Saturday March 11th. This year also marks 50 years since the Legislative Council was restored to the British Virgin Islands, of which the late Hamilton Lavity Stoutt served for 37 years. Chief Minister Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, welcomed The Duke to the Paraquita Bay Campus. "You will notice from our banner that we honour the past while we shape the future."

He said the Board of Governors is very conscious of the fact that they have a destiny to mould and a future to shape, not only for this generation, but also for generations unborn. The Chief Minister also paid tribute to Minister of Education, Health and Welfare the Honourable Eileen Parsons, whom he said was the one who brought Mr. Stoutt's vision into being. He referred to her as the midwife and Godmother of the HLSCC. She served as first Registrar of the College and is now Deputy Chairman of the Board of Governors. "To them Sir, we owe a great debt of gratitude for the hard work they did," he told The Duke.

Hon. O'Neal introduced His Royal Highness to the President of the College and noted that the faculty includes people from around the world. He said government wants to make the HLSCC a real centre of learning, so that when students graduate, they are fit for the world, not only for the British Virgin Islands. The Duke was informed of the construction of a Learning Resource Centre, which is being financed by the European Development Fund and of plans for a Marine Resource Centre and a Culinary Arts Centre.

"We feel these two institutions, which will be regional, have great importance, as we seek to develop the marine sector of our tourism and the hotel industry," Mr. O'Neal said. Just before unveiling a plaque in commemoration of his historic visit to the Virgin Islands and signing the visitors' book, His Royal Highness The Duke of York addressed the audience. He said he was particularly interested in education and how our young can be given every possible advantage in the future. "I think through this particular Community College, you are doing an absolutely marvelous work for the British Virgin Islands and the development that is going on...is a way of developing people's understanding and people's use of the country, the environment, in a sensible way." HRH congratulated the Board of Governors on the excellent work they are doing, have done and will do and he paid tribute to the High School Band for the "marvelous music...I reckon that you've all got a career in music ahead of you, whether together or individually...it was absolutely fantastic." Later on Saturday, His Royal Highness The Duke of York, he presented some playground equipment to the students at the Rainbow Children's Home.

There, he was met by Minister for Education, Health and Welfare Hon. Eileen L. Parsons, who presented officials from her Ministry and the Superintendent of the Home. Following that, he was taken to the Central Administration Building, Office of the Chief Minister for a private discussion with the Chief Minister.

His Royal Highness also attended several receptions in his honour at Government House, Peter Island Resort, the Royal BVI Yacht Club and the Top of the Baths Restaurant.