New Speaker of the HOA Hon. Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe has urged the members to bring healthy debate to the House. Photo: Reuben Stoby/VINO

Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith (right) and member of the Opposition and 1st District representative Hon. Andrew Fahie shake hands following the conclusion of the 1st Sitting of the 2nd HOA yesterday December 8, 2011 at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex where the Hon. Speaker Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe said she expected that all members will be respectful to their fellow Legislators, put forward healthy debates, and actively participate in the decision making process of the Territory. Photo: Reuben Stoby/VINO

Hon. Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe is the first Attorney and second female to be named Speaker of the House of Assembly (HOA) of the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO

The former Government Chief Registrar of Lands was successfully nominated as Speaker while 5th District Representative Hon. Delores Christopher was named Deputy Speaker when the First Sitting of the Second HOA commenced yesterday December 8, 2011 at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex.

Hon. Moses-Scatliffe said as Speaker she would subscribe to the highest ethical standards and would lead proceedings according to the rules governing the House when the people’s business is being conducted. “In return I expect that all members will be respectful to your fellow Legislators, put forward healthy debates, and actively participate in the decision making process of the Territory. And I will work tirelessly to assist you as together we work to maintain the integrity of each citizen and uphold the noble standards of this Honourable House.”

She also encouraged the Honourable Members to read and get to know the Constitution, the Standing Orders and all other rules governing the House. “They are the foundation from which we will begin our four-year journey. Set goals to pre-read if possible all papers relative to the Order Paper so that your debate can be robust and fruitful. If you want to adopt the words of one of my learned colleagues you too will echo, the Virgin Islands is our home and we have no place to run when times are hard so remember the eyes of the Virgin Islands are watching how this Honourable House will conduct the people’s business for in the law making process remember your aim should be to work for the betterment of our home, the Virgin Islands, and I pledge to always guide the process in helping you to accomplish your aim.”

Noting that we live in a global world connected by technology at our finger tips and that the world is watching, she asked the members what message would they have sent to the people of the Virgin Islands after their four year tenure.

“And what message would the world send to the Virgin Islands about the Second House of Assembly. I trust that it would be there goes a House where healthy debates were heard, the law making body has effectively worked to shape the Virgin Islands into a better place for which all Virgin Islanders and residents will be proud.”

To the public she said it is fitting for the public to sit and observe the sittings and get to see how his or her representative is conducting business in the House and understand how true Parliamentary Democracy works.

Ms. Moses-Scatliffe, a partner in a local law firm, holds a LLM (Hons) degree from City University, London, England and a LLB (Hons) Degree from the University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, England. She was admitted to the Bar of England and Wales by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in July 2006 and to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in the Territory of the Virgin Islands (BVI) in December 2006.

Prior to pursuing her legal studies in 2003 she was Head of Operations at Barclays Bank Plc for several years.

Ms. Moses-Scatliffe completed pupilage and legal training at some of the leading law firms in the VI. Her academic background in legal and business gives her significant experience across a range of industry sectors as diverse as financial management, information technology and law. Ms. Moses-Scatliffe also holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Management from St. Augustine’s College, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Ms. Moses-Scatliffe is also a Commissioner of Oaths and a former member of Capital Productions, the former group known throughout the VI for its generosity to local charities and its signature event the annual car and boat show. She is a member of the Rotary Club and has one daughter.

Meanwhile, the first female Speaker of the HOA was current Deputy Governor V. Inez Archibald.