Cedar School Grade 5 Students Visit House
Grade 5 pupils from Cedar School visited the House of Assembly today for an interactive civic education session that coincided with debates on the Human Rights Commission Bill 2026, giving the students a front-row view of parliamentary proceedings. According to a House of Assembly press release circulated by Giovanni Herbert of the HoA and the BVI Government, members of the 5th House of Assembly greeted the children, engaged them in a question-and-answer session and reinforced the importance of early civic learning.
Grade 5 students from Cedar School were welcomed to the House of Assembly today for an interactive civic education visit that gave them a front-row view of parliamentary debate and procedure, the House of Assembly and BVI Government said in a press release circulated by Giovanni Herbert, Public Relations Officer for the HoA.
The visit took place as members debated the Human Rights Commission Bill 2026, giving the young visitors the opportunity to observe elected representatives at work and to see how legislation is discussed and decided in the Chamber. According to the HoA release, the timing allowed teachers to connect classroom lessons about government and rights with real-world parliamentary activity.
Speaker of the House Honourable Corine N. George-Massicote led a lively and dynamic question-and-answer session with the students, fielding their inquiries while posing thought-provoking questions in return. The exchange aimed to demystify the workings of the Chamber and to stimulate early interest in civic responsibility, the release says.
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Wheatley personally greeted each student with a handshake and answered a key question posed by the class: how do members form the government? His explanation of the basic electoral process was given in accessible terms so the children could understand how representation and leadership are chosen in the Virgin Islands, the press statement noted.
Leader of the Opposition and 6th District Representative Honourable Myron V. Walwyn — whose constituency includes Cedar School — praised the teachers and school administration for organising the visit. He described the trip as a positive step toward nurturing civic curiosity among young residents, according to the HoA communication.
Smith also spoke with the pupils and asked whether any of them aspired to become lawyers, saying she was encouraged by their enthusiasm and interest in public affairs, the release reported. Members of the 5th House of Assembly took time throughout the visit to answer students’ questions and encourage discussion about governance.
House officials said the visit underscores the HoA’s stated commitment to inspiring the next generation of Virgin Islands leaders by providing practical exposure to democratic process, parliamentary language and the responsibilities of elected office. The press release included photographs and captions of the Speaker, Premier, Opposition Leader and members interacting with the students.
For more details, the House of Assembly press release was circulated by Giovanni Herbert, Public Relations Officer (telephone: 1 (284) 468-6909; email: gherbert@gov.vg). The BVI Government also listed media contact information for broader enquiries at BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com and its main switchboard at (284) 468-3701.
The visit served as a reminder that legislation, including the ongoing Human Rights Commission Bill 2026, affects everyday life and that understanding governance often begins in the classroom.
Primary source: BVI Government