HoA Management Bill Won’t Separate People
The House of Assembly (Management) Bill, 2025, is set for second and third readings on October 30, 2025. Speaker Hon George-Massicote says the measure will strengthen legislative autonomy and bring the people closer to the centre of governance rather than distancing the legislature from citizens.
The House of Assembly (Management) Bill, 2025, was scheduled to receive second and third readings during the Continuation of the Tenth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Thursday, October 30, 2025. The Bill seeks to formalise internal operational and administrative arrangements that have, until now, relied in part on mechanisms outside the House's direct control.
Speaker Hon George-Massicote told members the move is about strengthening democracy and legislative independence, not creating distance between representatives and the public. "An autonomous legislature is the foundation of every functioning democracy," she said. "It is within these chambers that the voice of the people finds expression, where laws are created, and where government is held accountable.
For this process to have true meaning, the legislature must be able to act independently, free from interference, and guided only by the Constitution, the Standing Orders, and the will of the people." The Bill proposes a clearer governance structure for the House of Assembly, giving it authority over its own staffing, budgeting, procedures and institutional development.
According to the Speaker, these changes will allow the House to manage day-to-day affairs with greater transparency and efficiency, and to develop internal capacity that supports robust scrutiny of government actions. Hon George-Massicote emphasised that autonomy is intended to bring citizens "closer to the centre of governance." She said an independent legislature ensures representatives can perform their duties "without fear or favour," and that the Bill enshrines principles of proper resourcing, effective governance and accountability in law.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) provided technical guidance and capacity-building support during drafting, aligning the Bill with international best practices in parliamentary management, integrity and accountability, the Speaker said. That external assistance was intended to strengthen the Virgin Islands' institutional framework while responding to local needs.
For BVI residents, the proposed law aims to improve transparency in how the legislature operates and how it holds the executive to account. If passed, the Bill could mean quicker administrative decisions within the House, clearer lines of responsibility, and a stronger ability for elected members to represent constituents.
The House is due to debate and vote on the measure on October 30, as the Speaker reiterated her commitment to upholding the dignity, independence and public trust in the legislature.
Primary source: VINO