Virgin Islands Delegation Strengthens Interparliamentary Relations with UK Visit

A delegation from the Virgin Islands (VI) recently embarked on a significant journey to the United Kingdom (UK) to engage in constructive interparliamentary discussions with key individuals within the UK Parliament. Led by the Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Corine George-Massicote, the high-level delegation comprised prominent figures from the VI’s political landscape.

Accompanying Speaker George-Massicote were Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer; Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton; Attorney General, Honourable Dawn J. Smith; Member for the Third District, Honourable Julian Fraser; and Member for the Eighth District, Honourable Marlon Penn. The delegation was also joined by the Clerk of the House of Assembly, Ms. Phyllis Evans; Public Relations Officer, Mr. Linton V. Leonard; and the Acting Director of the BVI London Office, Ms. Tracy Bradshaw.

The primary objective of the delegation was to strengthen interparliamentary relations and modernize the House of Assembly through collaborative efforts. Throughout their visit, the VI delegation sought to foster stronger ties with their UK counterparts, focusing on enhancing collaboration, exchanging best practices, and promoting mutual understanding in various parliamentary matters. The delegation held a series of crucial meetings at the House of Commons, with the gracious support of the Interparliamentary Relations Office.

The visit commenced with an initial meeting between Speaker George-Massicote and the UK House Speaker, Honourable Lindsay Hoyle. This significant encounter paved the way for in-depth discussions on vital matters concerning parliamentary affairs, governance, and interparliamentary cooperation.

During the interactive meetings, a wide range of topics were covered, including the establishment and implementation of Standing Orders, which form the foundation of parliamentary procedures and ensure an efficient legislative process. Discussions also encompassed the reformation of the VI’s existing Standing Orders to meet the evolving needs of its parliament. The delegation also explored digital advancements in parliamentary operations, with a focus on leveraging technology to improve transparency, accessibility, and efficiency. The essential role of Bill Committees in scrutinizing legislation and facilitating comprehensive deliberations on proposed bills was another key topic of discussion. Additionally, the delegation gained valuable insights into the functioning of the Interparliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) and the significance of maintaining parliamentary integrity and good governance. The role of the UK’s Governance Office in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance within the parliamentary framework was also addressed.

The productive exchanges between the VI delegation and their UK counterparts underscored a mutual commitment to bolstering interparliamentary cooperation, sharing expertise, and learning from each other’s experiences. All participants expressed optimism that these discussions would lay the foundation for a strengthened partnership, further promoting the democratic values and principles that unite the VI and the UK.

Upon the delegation’s return to the VI, the insights gained from this mission will be instrumental in furthering the Territory’s parliamentary practices and enhancing governance mechanisms, commencing with the Fifth House of Assembly. The delegation’s visit marks a significant step forward in strengthening interparliamentary relations between the VI and the UK, fostering collaboration and promoting good governance.