Speaker launches inaugural House Matters newsletter
The Honourable Corine N. George‑Massicote, Speaker of the House of Assembly, has launched House Matters, the Assembly’s inaugural newsletter, timed to mark the 75th anniversary of the restoration of legislation in the Virgin Islands. The publication will provide regular updates on legislative work, regional and international engagement, and the House’s values and standards, and will be distributed in print and digitally. Reporting from the Government of the Virgin Islands, Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) and Guavaberry confirms the inaugural issue includes historical material, bill summaries, committee highlights and profiles on ethics and community outreach.
George‑Massicote, Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands, today announced the launch of the Assembly’s inaugural newsletter, House Matters, a new outreach tool aimed at keeping residents informed about the work of their representatives (Government of the Virgin Islands).
The launch coincides with the 75th anniversary of the restoration of legislation in the Virgin Islands, a milestone the Speaker said underscores the ongoing development of local democratic institutions (Government of the Virgin Islands). The Speaker described House Matters as part of a broader push to make government more accessible and responsive to the people it serves.
According to the Government press release and reporting by Guavaberry, House Matters will provide regular updates on legislative activities, highlights of regional and international engagements, and a closer look at the values and standards that guide the work of the House. Guavaberry quoted the Speaker saying, "House Matters is an important step in keeping you informed and involved in the work we do," and echoed her call for residents to "stay informed, stay engaged and stay connected." (Government of the Virgin Islands; Guavaberry).
Additional reporting by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) and Guavaberry lays out key features readers can expect in the inaugural issue: a historical overview marking 75 years since the restoration of local legislative powers; summaries of recent Bills and committee work; coverage of regional and international meetings attended by House members; profiles highlighting the House’s standards, ethics and community outreach initiatives; and a section showcasing how constituent input has influenced policy and legislation (VINO; Guavaberry).
House Matters will be available in print and digitally. Printed copies will be distributed at House of Assembly offices and partner community centres across the territory, while residents who prefer digital delivery can subscribe for direct email distribution and access archived editions on the House’s official website, the Government release said (Government of the Virgin Islands).
The Speaker framed the newsletter as one element of a wider public engagement strategy tied to the 75th‑anniversary observance. Planned activities include community events, educational outreach to schools and civic groups, and public forums intended to solicit resident feedback on legislative priorities and to encourage active participation in local governance (Government of the Virgin Islands; Guavaberry).
The launch materials emphasize transparency and accountability as central aims. "You’ll see how your voice, concerns and participation help shape the future of our democracy," the Speaker said in the Government release and was similarly quoted by Guavaberry. "We believe strong communities are built on strong relationships between representatives and residents, ideas and action.
House Matters is our commitment to serving you with fairness, purpose and respect." (Government of the Virgin Islands; Guavaberry). For more information or media enquiries, the Government release lists the House of Assembly’s Public Relations Officer Giovanni Herbert at gherbert@gov.vg or by telephone at 1 (284) 468‑6909.
For international media enquiries, contact BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. General government services and appointments can be arranged through the Government of the Virgin Islands at (284) 468‑3701 (Government of the Virgin Islands). By launching House Matters, the Speaker’s office says it aims to promote transparency, accountability and a stronger connection between elected representatives and the people they serve, reinforcing informed citizen engagement in the territory’s democratic life (Government of the Virgin Islands; VINO; Guavaberry).
Primary source: BVI Government