Sir Lindsay Hoyle First Speaker of the
The Right Honourable Sir Lindsay Hoyle will make the first-ever official visit by a Speaker of the UK House of Commons to the Virgin Islands from 16–19 February 2026, the Government of the Virgin Islands has announced. His programme includes a Special Sitting of the House of Assembly, bilateral talks with Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, and a series of meetings focused on governance, resilience, youth and law enforcement.
The Government of the Virgin Islands is hosting the first official visit by a Speaker of the UK House of Commons from 16–19 February 2026, the Government said in a press release. On arrival, The Right Honourable Sir Lindsay Hoyle will be formally greeted by His Excellency the Governor, Daniel Pruce; Premier the Honourable Dr.
Wheatley; and the Honourable Speaker of the House of Assembly, Corine George-Massicote. The visit is being presented by the Government as a reaffirmation of the strong and enduring relationship between the Territory and the United Kingdom and a shared commitment to parliamentary democracy and good governance.
On Tuesday, 17 February, Sir Lindsay’s programme centres on parliamentary exchange and civic engagement. According to the Government, he will hold bilateral talks with Premier Wheatley and attend a Special Sitting of the House of Assembly convened in his honour — an opportunity to highlight democratic practice in the Territory.
The day also includes meetings with the Attorney General and her team, visits with the Girl Guides, veterans and members of the Virgin Islands Cadet Corps, and discussions with former Members and former Clerks of the House of Assembly, reflecting a broad focus on civic institutions and youth development.
Wednesday, 18 February, places emphasis on resilience, the environment and law enforcement. The Speaker is scheduled to meet with the Director of Disaster Management and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change — key priorities for a low-lying, hurricane-prone Territory, the Government noted.
Sir Lindsay will also meet the Honourable Speaker Corine George-Massicote, Members of the Opposition and the Junior Minister for Financial Services. The programme includes a meeting and tour with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and an engagement hosted by Speaker George-Massicote with current and past Members of the House and past Speakers.
The official visit concludes on Thursday, 19 February, with a meeting with the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports followed by a wrap-up meeting with Members of the Government to close the programme, the Government release stated. The Premier’s Office, which coordinated the visit, described the delegation as an opportunity to strengthen institutional links, share best practice and advance areas of mutual interest, including disaster preparedness, environmental resilience and the Territory’s financial services sector.
The Government said the visit supports ongoing efforts to promote good governance and sustainable development across sectors and was organised by the Government of the Virgin Islands. Local leaders and civic groups are expected to use the visit as a platform to showcase the Territory’s democratic institutions, youth programmes and resilience work.
The Government’s announcement highlights both the symbolic significance of hosting a sitting UK Speaker and the practical value of exchanges aimed at improving governance, public safety and community development across the Virgin Islands.
Primary source: BVI Government