Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands (VI) Honourable Corine N. George-Massicote delivered the keynote address during Session Four of the 4th Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference (COTSC), which took place in London from May 13 to 16, 2025. Photo: HoA

The 4th Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference (COTSC) took place in London from May 13 to 16, 2025. Photo: House of Commons

The delegation of Speakers from the UK Parliament and UK Overseas Territories pictured with HM King Charles III. Photo: Buckingham Palace

The delegation of Speakers from the UK Parliament and UK Overseas Territories with the Rt. Hon. Sir Lindsay H. Hoyle (Centered). Photo: House of Commons

In her address at the fourth session titled ‘Keeping Democracy Running’,  Honourable George-Massicote explored the critical ways parliaments manage a range of security challenges, including incidents within parliamentary buildings, cyber threats targeting parliamentary networks, and other security incidents that could disrupt parliamentary operations. She outlined the Top 10 Protective Security Measures essential for safeguarding parliamentary institutions:

1. Understand the specific threats facing your institution

2. Establish a comprehensive security governance framework

3. Foster a strong security culture among all personnel

4. Install and maintain effective physical security systems

5. Implement robust Information and Communication Technology (ICT) protections

6. Develop a personnel security framework

7. Protect sensitive information rigorously

8. Maintain strong online security practices

9. Identify and respond promptly to suspicious behaviour and security incidents

10. Regularly review and update your security framework

Common threats

According to a press release from the House of Assembly (HoA), Honourable George-Massicote emphasised that despite differences in size and unique challenges, parliaments worldwide face common physical and virtual threats that can affect their stability, productivity, reputation, and prosperity. She stressed that intentional and well-structured security frameworks are vital to protecting people, infrastructure, technology, and information.

Following her presentation, an expert panel from the UK House of Commons—comprising the Director of Cyber and Information Security, the Director of Security, and the Director of Strategic Business Resilience—validated her insights. They shared real-world examples and experiences, underscoring the critical importance of robust security frameworks in parliamentary institutions.

The 4th Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference was hosted by the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, the Rt Honourable Sir Lindsay H. Hoyle, MP. Delegates included Speakers and Clerks from various UK Overseas Territories such as Anguilla, Bermuda, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena, and the Virgin Islands.

Deputy Clerk Mr Linton V. Leonard also represented the Virgin Islands.

The conference delegation, including Speakers from the UK and Overseas Territories, was honoured with a special audience at Buckingham Palace with His Majesty King Charles III, Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

His majesty engaged the speakers and had a short dialogue with them.