The fifth sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) is set to take place on February 20, 2020, at the HoA Chambers in Road Town, Tortola. Photo: VINO/File

While the Order Paper for this first sitting of 2020 is yet to be made public, a still burning issue is the way forward for the Government proposed Computer Misuse and Cyber Crime Amendment Act of 2019 which was passed and placed in the hands of the Governor, H.E. Augustus J. U. Jaspert for assent since late 2019. Photo: VINO/File

This is according to HoA public relations officer, Linton V. Leonard in a media release today, February 11, 2020. The sitting will also be the first where Sixth District Representative, Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6) sits on the government benches after crossing the floor on January 20, 2020.

While the Order Paper for this first sitting of 2020 is yet to be made public, a still burning issue is the way forward for the Government proposed Computer Misuse and Cyber Crime Amendment Act of 2019 which was passed and placed in the hands of the Governor, H.E. Augustus J. U. Jaspert for assent since late 2019.

Future of Cyber Crime Bill 

Governor Japsert at a February 3, 2020, press conference noted that while the bill was an important one, he cited some free speech concerns regarding online use, including by the media. 

"The bill is an important bill, it includes areas in there about how we protect children online, how we tackle issues like fraud and people who are abusing the online space," Governor Jaspert said.

He continued, "It also has some very important areas that have been flagged to me and to the Premier as well... about speech and what is the right level of speech online, including for the media as well," Governor Jaspert said noting that correspondence has been initiated on the way forward. 

Stream & Watch Live 

The HoA proceedings will be carried live on CBN Radio 90.9 FM, CBN-Television Channel 101 on Flow TV and can also be followed online at www.cbnvirginislands.com.