Virgin Islands Marks 75 Years of Legislative
The British Virgin Islands marked the 75th Commemoration of the restoration of its legislature with a recognition ceremony on 7 November 2025 and a programme of community events throughout November. The Government has issued a further invitation to a family-friendly concert at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park on Sunday 23 November at 6:00 p.m., which will include traditional music, community performances and fireworks (BVI Government).
The British Virgin Islands proudly marked the 75th Commemoration of the restoration of its legislature on 7 November 2025 with a recognition ceremony titled "Diamonds of the Season: A Night of Excellence, Celebration and Reflection" at the Eileene Parsons Auditorium, H. The House of Assembly hosted the event, which drew government officials, regional dignitaries and members of the public (BVI Government; Virgin Islands Platinum).
Speaker of the House of Assembly Honourable Corine N. George-Massicote opened the ceremony, stressing that the night was more than a roll call of names. She said the recognition was "not merely a recital of names; it is a celebration of values," and urged members and citizens to renew a commitment to transparency, accountability and respect in public life (BVI Government).
Missick of the Turks and Caicos Islands reflected on the long arc of leadership in the Territory, paying tribute to founding and modern leaders including Hamilton Lavity Stoutt, Willard Wheatley, Ralph T. Missick highlighted the enduring importance of legacy, the necessity of evolving purpose and the central role of community, and encouraged the Territory to treat the National Sustainable Development Plan and Vision 2036 as blueprints marrying heritage with resilience and innovation (BVI Government).
The ceremony honoured many individuals who have shaped the Territory’s democratic journey since the legislature was restored in 1950, recognising contributions to the growth, stability and integrity of the legislative system (Virgin Islands Platinum). Among those acknowledged were historical firsts and long-serving officers: first nominated female member Emogene Creque; first elected female members Eileene Parsons, OBE, and Ethlyn Smith; first speaker and first clerk Henry Creque, OBE; first female Speaker V.
Inez Archibald; and longest-serving Premier Hon. Orlando Smith, OBE (Virgin Islands Platinum). Regional support at the ceremony included Honourable Dennis Lister, JP, Speaker of Bermuda’s House of Assembly, and Honourable Evans McNeil Rogers, Deputy Speaker of Anguilla’s House of Assembly, underscoring the wider Caribbean interest in the Territory’s democratic milestones (BVI Government; Virgin Islands Platinum).
The 75th anniversary programme continues through November with several community activities. Virgin Islands Platinum reported a schedule that includes 7.5 Nights of Lights at the House of Assembly Chamber (16–23 November), daily radio quizzes on ZBVI Radio, and a student mock sitting in the House of Assembly Chamber on 21 November at 10:00 a.m. (Virgin Islands Platinum).
Building on those activities, the Government has invited the community to a special "75 Years of Legislature" concert and family fun night at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park on Sunday 23 November starting at 6:00 p.m. The event will honour the historic March of 1949 and the efforts that led to the restoration of the Legislature in 1950, celebrating the Territory’s journey towards self-determination and unity (BVI Government).
Speaker George-Massicote said: "Since the landmark restoration in 1950, the Virgin Islands Legislature has played a pivotal role in guiding the islands’ progress while preserving cultural heritage and fostering inclusive governance. Our Family Fun Night will unite people of all ages through music and celebration, reflecting on our past and inspiring our future path towards Self-Determination" (BVI Government).
The anniversary will conclude with a Unifying Church Service on Sunday 30 November at 8:30 a.m. at St. George’s Anglican Church (BVI Government; Virgin Islands Platinum). Residents and visitors are encouraged to join the commemorations that celebrate the past, present and future of the Virgin Islands Legislature.
For further information, contact the House of Assembly’s public relations officer Giovanni Herbert at 1 (284) 468-6909 or gherbert@gov.vg, visit the House of Assembly Facebook page or YouTube channel, or use the Government of the Virgin Islands virtual booking system; international media enquiries can be sent to BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com (BVI Government).
Primary source: BVI Government