Grade 5 students from Cedar International School visited the House of Assembly (HoA) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, where they were warmly greeted by members of the 5th House of Assembly. Photo: HoA

Cedar International is a private school located in Kingstown on the main island of Tortola. Photo: Cedar International/Facebook

Leading the welcome was Speaker of the House, Honourable Corine N. George-Massicote, who engaged the students in a dynamic question-and-answer session. She fielded their curious inquiries while posing though provoking questions in return, fostering a spirited dialogue on governance.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), according to a press release from the HoA, personally greeted each student with a handshake and addressed a key question: How do members become the government? His explanation highlighted the electoral process, igniting interest in political participation.

The Leader of the Opposition and 6th District Representative, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn, noted that Cedar School falls within his constituency. He praised the teacher and school administration for nurturing the students' curiosity, by bringing them to witness the Chamber in debate.

Connecting with the students

Additional members who connected with the students included Member for the 5th District, Honourable Kye M. Rymer; Member for the 2nd District, Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull; Member for the 4th District, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith; Member for the 9th District, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley; and Territorial-at-Large Members Honourable Stacy R. Mather, MBE; Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton; and Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE.

Upon her arrival, Attorney General Honourable Dawn J. Smith asked the group if any aspired to become lawyers, expressing optimism for the future of her office based on their enthusiasm.

According to the HoA, the visit underscores the HoA's commitment to inspiring the next generation of Virgin Islands leaders.