VI Legislature Marks 75th Anniversary
The House of Assembly will mark 75 years of representative government with a month-long diamond jubilee beginning Sunday, November 2, 2025. Events include a church launch service, a Special Sitting, a mock sitting, a daily quiz series, a recognition ceremony on November 7, and a ‘Know the House’ broadcast series.
The House of Assembly will launch a month-long diamond jubilee to mark 75 years in the Virgin Islands with an official church service on Sunday, November 2, 2025. The event will be held at St George's Episcopal - Anglican Church on Main Street, Road Town, Tortola, and opens a programme of activities reflecting on the Territory’s journey toward representative government.
According to a House of Assembly press release, the anniversary commemorates a pivotal moment in local history known as The Great March on November 24, 1949. That demonstration, led by pioneer legislators Theodolph H. Faulkner, Isaac Fonseaca (known as 'Glannie') and Carlton deCastro, helped crystallise the community’s wish for a representative government responsive to local needs.
The celebration this year carries the theme: ‘Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future: The Virgin Islands 75 Year Journey Towards Self-Determination!’ Speaker of the House Hon Corine N. George-Massicote has invited residents across the Territory to participate in the commemorations.
Highlights scheduled during the month include a Special Sitting of the House of Assembly, a Mock Sitting designed for civic education, a Daily General Knowledge Quiz, and a Recognition Ceremony at the Eileene Parsons Auditorium on Friday, 7 November at 7:00 p.m. A special broadcast series titled ‘Know the House’ will run throughout the month to explain the workings of the legislature and the role of elected representatives.
Residents and Virgin Islanders overseas are encouraged to follow events live on the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands Facebook page and on the Assembly’s official YouTube channel @houseofassemblyvi2922. Organisers say the jubilee is an opportunity for the Territory to reflect on legislative milestones, honour the contributions of early activists and lawmakers, and engage younger generations in civic life.
Schools, community groups and civic organisations are being urged to take part in events and quizzes planned to boost public knowledge about the Assembly and the Territory’s governance. The month-long programme underscores the House’s intent to celebrate historical achievements while promoting understanding of the democratic institutions that serve the BVI.
For many residents, the anniversary is both a tribute to past leaders and a call to remain active in shaping the Territory’s future.
Primary source: VINO