Press Release

Constitutionally Established Departments
House of Assembly
Release Date:
Tuesday, 29 August 2023 - 11:47am

The UK Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA UK) will be conducting a Post-Election Seminar for parliamentarians in the Virgin Islands from August 30 to September 1.

The event will be hosted by the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands and will serve as a unique platform for sharing parliamentary experiences, fostering discussions on the responsibilities of elected representatives, and exploring parliamentary procedure and scrutiny.

Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands Honourable Corine N. George Massicote said the seminar represents an invaluable opportunity for the Territory’s parliamentarians to engage with peers from across the Commonwealth.

“This will allow us to collectively contribute to the betterment of governance and legislative practices within our Territory. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to CPA UK for their steadfast commitment to strengthening our parliamentary institution,” Honourable Massicote said.

The Speaker stated that the seminar is a continuation of CPA UK’s dedicated engagement with the VI, and finds its place within the UK Overseas Territories Project (UKOTP). She said the project has consistently exemplified its commitment to cultivating good governance and bolstering oversight of public finances in the UK Overseas Territories.

The Speaker also said the Post-Election Seminar is set to foster meaningful dialogues among local parliamentarians and a delegation of parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth.

Leading the delegation is Lilian Greenwood Member of Parliament (UK), whose leadership will guide the discussions towards a deeper understanding of parliamentary processes. The delegation also includes Honourable Juan Watterson SHK and Joann Corkish from the Isle of Man and Honourable Akierra Missick MP from the (Turks and Caicos Islands).

CPA UK’s cornerstone mission is the establishment of robust parliamentary relationships across the Commonwealth, Overseas Territories, Devolved Legislatures, and Crown Dependencies. By orchestrating a comprehensive program of parliamentary strengthening activities, the organisation bridges the gap between nations and legislators. This encompassing approach involves meticulously planned collaborations with other parliaments, thereby facilitating a dynamic exchange between UK and Commonwealth parliamentarians and parliamentary officials.

The forthcoming Post-Election Seminar in the VI stands as a profound testament to CPA UK’s enduring dedication to fostering parliamentary excellence, nurturing international collaboration, and propagating effective governance practices. Through interactive engagement and sharing of insights, this seminar will undeniably amplify the voices of BVI parliamentarians, enriching the democratic fabric of the region.

Author

Linton Leonard

Public Relations Officer
Office of the House of Assembly
Telephone: 468-6900 ext. 6958
Email: lleonard@gov.vg