The Virgin Islands House of Assembly (HoA) is on track to become 'a model among overseas territories', Deputy Premier Hon Julian Fraser, RA (R3) has said. Photo: YouTube

Speaking during the continuation of the Fifth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly, Hon Julian Fraser, RA (R3) used the occasion to commend the Speaker and members for their role in establishing the legislature as an independent body since January 26 2025. Photo: HoA/File

Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser, RA (R3) directed particular praise to the Speaker, Corine N. George-Massicote, acknowledging the unusual weight of responsibility she has carried in steering the House through its early months as an independent institution. Photo: VINO/File

Speaking during the continuation of the Fifth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly, Hon Fraser used the occasion to commend the Speaker and members for their role in establishing the legislature as an independent body since January 26, 2025, just under seven months before the sitting.

The House of Assembly (Management) Act, 2025, which came into effect on January 30, 2026, following its assent on January 26, 2026, sought to create a semi-autonomous management structure for the House of Assembly, providing the institutional support necessary for the Legislature to function with professionalism, efficiency, and independence, in line with parliamentary best practices throughout the Commonwealth.

It is the first bill in the Virgin Islands to be introduced by a Member of the House and passed without proceeding through Cabinet.

Commending the Speaker & members

Hon Fraser directed particular praise to the Speaker, acknowledging the unusual weight of responsibility she has carried in steering the House through its early months as an independent institution.

“When you were elected as Speaker of this House, it is impossible for you to have known that this is what you were signing up for,” Hon Fraser said.

He noted that while he had seen “seven, maybe eight” persons hold the role of Speaker in the past, none had been “entrusted with the responsibility that you have taken on.”

Hon Fraser added, “You do have a wonderful cast with you, Madam Speaker, because the level of support that you received isn’t something that you can always look forward to.” 

Premier’s cooperation & “unorthodox” steps

The Deputy Premier also singled out the Premier for his accommodative approach, saying the government had undertaken “some unorthodox things in this House in order to get to where we are.”

Hon Fraser reiterated his confidence that the Virgin Islands’ legislative experiment would resonate beyond the Territory.

“I can say, Madam Speaker, without fear of contradiction, that before long, this House will be a model among overseas territories. And it will be a model to follow, as far as all independence is concerned,” he said.

Hon Fraser’s comments come while seconding the motion to pass the Statutory Rates, Fees and Charges Act, 2005. 

Meantime, the motion was passed as amended in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.