Dr Mathavious, the outgoing Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC), has had a 40-year plus career as a public servant in the territory.

The recognition comes as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honour List of 2020 where some 1,495 people were honoured, with 72% having worked tirelessly for their local communities.

Years of Service to VI

During his distinguished career, Dr Mathavious has served the VI nobly as Deputy Financial Secretary from 1980 to 1985, Financial Secretary from 1985 to 1991, as Director of Financial Services from 1993 to 2001 and steadfastly, as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the BVI Financial Services Commission from January 2002.

Over those decades, has worked seamlessly with different Chief Ministers and Premiers serving as the Chief Advisor on financial services, through the many challenges and triumphs of the Territory.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in offering congratulations on the honour, thanked Dr Mathavious for his commitment to the industry and said the recognition is yet another example of what Virgin Islanders are capable of achieving.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in offering congratulations on the honour, thanked Dr Mathavious for his commitment to the industry and said the recognition is yet another example of what Virgin Islanders are capable of achieving.

Commitment to VI Financial Service

“Dr Mathavious is the embodiment of this wisdom and selflessness and I know that even after retirement, a great part of his legacy will live on throughout the rest of time in those able professionals whom he has shaped through his leadership, tutelage and foresight, and those touched indirectly by the fruits of his work,” Premier Fahie said.

The Premier said the OBE award comes under the heels of a statement he made in the Virgin Islands (VI) Fourth House of Assembly during the Tenth Sitting of the Second Session on Friday, June 19, 2020, entitle titled: Appreciation – Dr Robert Mathavious, LLD.

According to the Leader of Government Business, while Dr Mathavious had indicated his decision to retire from the Commission, effective December 31, 2020, he remains one of the most brilliant professionals with a life dedicated to public service, having held some of the highest offices in this country.

Dr Robert A. Mathavious (right) alongside former Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith at the inaugural launch of Regional Business BVI Asia Conference in Hong Kong on September 11, 2014.

Dr Mathavious cultivated entire industry – Premier Fahie

Hon Fahie said Financial Services industry practitioners, locally and abroad, now owe Dr Mathavious a profound debt of gratitude for his extraordinary service, leadership and mentorship.

This year's OBE honours focused on COVID-19 service, in addition to unwavering commitment and dedication to the local community.

Virgin Islander and stalwart son of the soil, Dr Robert A. Mathavious has been conferred with an Order of British Empire (OBE) from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in recognition of his unwavering support and services to the [British] Virgin Islands.