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by pltm
The Virgin Islands commemorated 75 years since the restoration of its legislature with a recognition ceremony celebrating those who have shaped the Territory’s democratic journey and legislative traditions.
(PLTM) - The House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands hosted a recognition ceremony on November 7, 2025, to mark the 75th anniversary of the restoration of the legislature. The event, titled “Diamonds of the Season: A Night of Excellence, Celebration and Reflection,” took place at the Eileene Parsons Auditorium at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
The ceremony honoured individuals who have contributed to the growth, stability, and integrity of the Territory’s legislative system since its restoration in 1950.
Remarks from the Speaker
Speaker of the House of Assembly, Honourable Corine N. George-Massicote, described the event as a recognition of enduring values rather than just a list of names. “This recognition ceremony is not merely a recital of names; it is a celebration of values,” she stated, emphasizing gratitude to those who have chosen “service over self, duty over comfort, and legacy over applause.”
She urged members and citizens alike to uphold principles that safeguard the integrity of the legislature — ensuring transparency, accountability, and respect within public discourse.
Keynote Address
The keynote address was delivered by Honourable Akierra M. D. Missick, LL.B (Hons), P.Dip, TEP, MP, elected member for Leeward and Long Bay in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She described the anniversary as a milestone reflecting “bold enterprise, collective faith, and the enduring conviction in self-determination.”
Honourable Missick paid tribute to past and current leaders, including Hamilton Lavity Stoutt, Willard Wheatley, Ralph T. O’Neal, Dr. Orlando Smith, Dr. Natalio Wheatley, and Speaker George-Massicote, acknowledging their roles in shaping governance, education, and institutional development. She underscored three guiding principles drawn from their leadership: the preservation of legacy, the pursuit of evolving purpose, and the strength of community. She also referenced the Territory’s National Sustainable Development Plan and Vision 2036, emphasizing the importance of balancing progress with heritage through innovation and transparency.
Her address concluded with a call for continued investment in resilient infrastructure, human development, and institutional capacity to ensure the Virgin Islands remains a beacon of democracy in the region.
Honourees Recognised
• First Nominated Female Member: Emogene Creque • First Elected Female Members: Eileene Parsons, OBE; Ethlyn Smith • Longest Serving Uninterrupted Member (5th House of Assembly): Hon. Julian Fraser, RA • Youngest Elected Member: Hon. Sharie de Castro • First Female Clerk and Longest Serving Clerk: Margaret Borde • Longest Serving Deputy Clerk: Joann Vanterpool • First Sergeant-At-Arms: Junior W. Romney • Longest Serving Sergeant-At-Arms: Dean Fahie • First Speaker and First Clerk: Henry Creque, OBE • First Female Speaker: V. Inez Archibald • Longest Serving Speaker: Keith Flax • Longest Serving Premier: Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith, OBE • First Opposition Leader: Q.W. Osborne, OBE • Longest Serving Opposition Leader: Ralph O’Neal, OBE
Regional Participation and Upcoming Events
Dignitaries attending the ceremony included Honourable Dennis Lister, JP, Speaker of the House of Assembly in Bermuda, and Honourable Evans McNeil Rogers, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly in Anguilla.
The 75th-anniversary celebrations continue throughout November with several events: • 7.5 Nights of Lights – House of Assembly Chamber, Road Town (November 16–23) • Daily radio quizzes – ZBVI Radio • Student mock sitting – House of Assembly Chamber, November 21 at 10:00 a.m. • Major celebration event – C.B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, November 23 at 6:00 p.m. • Church service – St. George’s Anglican Church, November 30 at 8:30 a.m.
The public is invited to participate in these events to celebrate the Territory’s legislative history and reaffirm a collective commitment to good governance and national progress.
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