Speaker Launches Second Issue of House Matters
Speaker of the House of Assembly Honourable Corine N. George-Massicote has officially launched the second issue of the parliamentary newsletter, House Matters. The latest edition provides expanded coverage of legislative business, youth initiatives, and regional engagements to bolster public transparency.
The Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Corine N. George-Massicote, has officially launched the second issue of the parliamentary newsletter, titled House Matters. The initiative reinforces the legislature's continued commitment to enhancing transparency, civic engagement, and public awareness across the Territory.
The inaugural edition of House Matters was introduced during the historic 75th anniversary of the restoration of legislation in the Virgin Islands. Building upon that milestone, this second edition broadens its scope to offer deeper coverage of legislative business, updates on regional and international engagements, and further insight into the procedural and ethical standards that guide the assembly's work.
Inside Issue 2, readers will find several dedicated segments, including House Highlights, Parliament in Action, a special feature on the Blue Economy Youth Debate, Youth and Civic Education, and Behind the Scenes. According to legislative officials, the publication aims to provide Virgin Islanders with clear, accessible, and timely information regarding the everyday operations of the legislature and how parliamentary decisions impact the wider community.
In her message welcoming the public to the second edition, Speaker George-Massicote underscored the fundamental relationship between the legislative branch and the community it serves, emphasizing that maintaining an informed populace is essential to fostering a strong democracy. "It is an honour to serve as Speaker of the House of Assembly and to work on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands," Speaker George-Massicote stated. "We created this newsletter to help you better understand what the House of Assembly does and how its work affects your everyday life.
The House belongs to the people, so it is important that everyone has the opportunity to know what is happening and why it matters." The Speaker added that over the past few months, the House has continued working to make Parliament stronger and more effective. "We have debated and passed important laws, worked with regional and international partners, improved how the House operates, and continued building an institution that is open, modern and accountable to the people," she noted.
As the Territory's primary law-making institution, the House of Assembly plays a vital role in setting policy, approving public spending, and holding the government accountable to the Virgin Islands public. Members of the public interested in reading the latest edition of House Matters or learning more about legislative proceedings can reach the House of Assembly Public Relations Department at (284) 468-6909 or via email at gherbert@gov.vg.
Primary source: BVI Government