75th Anniversary Mock Sitting at Eileene L
A Youth Mock Sitting took place today at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium in Paraquita Bay as part of the Virgin Islands Legislature's 75th Anniversary celebrations. Secondary students from across the Territory debated the 2022–2023 Constitutional Review Commission Report before an audience of legislators, teachers and parents; organisers say the exercise is one of several events planned for the anniversary. The Government's press release provided additional contact details and links for more information, and invited residents to upcoming anniversary events on 23 and 30 November.
A Youth Mock Sitting was held today at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium in Paraquita Bay, marking a key event in the ongoing 75th Anniversary commemorations of the restoration of the Virgin Islands Legislature. Speaker of the House for the Fifth House of Assembly, Honourable Corine George-Massicote, opened the session with welcome remarks, telling participants: "This Youth Mock Sitting is more than a symbolic exercise; it offers the next generation a chance to engage with the processes that shape our laws, governance, and future.
Your voices, ideas and leadership matter, and today you join a tradition guiding our Territory for three quarters of a century." The Speaker’s remarks were included in the House of Assembly announcement of the event. The Mock Sitting brought together Secondary School students from across the Territory to debate the 2022–2023 Constitutional Review Commission Report, which was formally laid before the House on Wednesday, 31 January 2024.
Students practised parliamentary procedure, examined constitutional issues and presented their views on topics that could influence the Territory’s governance going forward. The exercise drew a lively audience that included Members of the Fifth House of Assembly, parents, teachers and other residents, demonstrating a community-wide commitment to civic education.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change congratulated the students for their participation, saying: "Our future is bright, as we have seen today. We must continue to encourage our youth and do our part to ensure the path remains bright for them." This comment was reported in the Government’s press release on the Mock Sitting.
Organisers noted that the Youth Mock Sitting is one component of several public events planned for the 75th Anniversary. Residents are invited to an evening of music and celebration at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, 23 November at the C.B. The anniversary programme will conclude with a Unifying Church Service on Sunday, 30 November at 8:30 a.m. at St.
The House of Assembly described the session as part of an ongoing effort to involve young people in democratic processes and to encourage civic engagement. For more information, the House of Assembly and the Government of the Virgin Islands have published a press release and social media updates; the House’s Public Relations Officer Giovanni Herbert is listed as a contact (gherbert@gov.vg, Telephone: 1 (284) 468-6909).
The Government’s media contact for international enquiries is BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com and general government service lines are also provided in the release. The Mock Sitting honoured the Territory’s legislative history while actively involving the next generation of leaders in constitutional discussion and public affairs.
Organisers say further updates and event details will be posted on the House of Assembly’s official social channels.
Primary source: BVI Government