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Study standing orders; follow UK House of Commons - Hon Fraser urges new Speaker

-as Young Attorney Corine N. George-Massicote take up post of Speaker in the VI HoA
New Speaker in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly (HoA) Hon Corine N. George-Massicote having been sworn into the House on Thursday, May 26, 2022, was urged to study her role carefully by Senior Legislator, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3). Photo: HoA/Youtube
The swearing-in of Mrs George-Massicote came almost three weeks after the untimely resignation of former Speaker Julian Willock. Photo: VINO/File
The swearing-in of Mrs George-Massicote came almost three weeks after the untimely resignation of former Speaker Julian Willock. Photo: VINO/File
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI – New Speaker in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly (HoA) Hon Corine N. George-Massicote having been sworn into the House on Thursday, May 26, 2022, was urged to study her role carefully.

This advice came from Senior Legislator and New Opposition Leader, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) during a brief speech at the 3rd Sitting of the 4th Session of the 4th House of Assembly, at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola, shortly after in the swearing-in of Mrs George-Massicote.

Be a quick learner – Hon Fraser

“Madam Speaker, I urge you in this short term you have before this term ends, to be a quick learner in the post of Speaker because it is quite possible that you like others might misconstrue the meaning of speaker and its functions,” he added.

Hon George-Massicote was told to study Erskine May: Parliamentary Practice, the local standing orders, as well as to have a general familiarization with her duties of the speaker.

“All too often Speakers might feel in their mind that they might be treated like Ministers,” Hon Fraser added. He said a Speaker also is not a minister and should not be emulated as a Minister.

Hon Fraser added that the HoA Clerk is there an advisor, “Advice isn’t always taken, but my advice to you is to take the advice of the clerk”, he told Hon George-Massicote. 

“The House of Assembly as far as the speaker is concerned, is limited to these hallowed walls and if you keep that in mind, there is no trouble for you to get into,” he added. 

Assistance vowed 

Meanwhile, Hon Fraser vowed his assistance to the speaker in conducting herself and executing her duties, ‘The House of Assembly has done some great things and there are great things in the pipeline,” he added.

Other legislators also congratulated the New Speaker on taking up the new role. Mrs George-Massicote was nominated to the post by Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and seconded by Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5).

The swearing-in of Mrs George-Massicote came almost three weeks after the untimely resignation of former Speaker Julian Willock.

14 Responses to “Study standing orders; follow UK House of Commons - Hon Fraser urges new Speaker”

  • Scb habour project (28/05/2022, 15:00) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    Who Frazer throwing words at?
    • Comment (28/05/2022, 17:54) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      He is right, and should be respected for his seniority in Parliament. Hopefully, he and the territory will not have to put up with this staged parliamentary group for more than a few months, and we can have elections.
  • Save the $eed? (28/05/2022, 15:05) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Can anyone explain why the HOA is still meeting here? What is wrong with their own building that it cannot be used? Does it not have a $1m elevator?
  • brian hodge (28/05/2022, 16:03) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Hon. Fraser is making illusion to a previous Speaker, whose resignation was far from untimely
  • {4 more years} (28/05/2022, 16:55) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    We need hon Fraser to remain in the house for 4 more years to teach those youngsters the ropes
  • to be clear (28/05/2022, 17:18) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    yes follow the UK and just like there the ministers must send their bills to the house of lords for them to be passed , perhaps he needs to understand how things work in the UK
  • FIRE (28/05/2022, 19:24) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
    Shut up Fraser, a white bwoy label you as leader of the oppressors. I mean opposition.
  • old (28/05/2022, 20:16) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    These jokers want to runs government business. Check them out when they talking calling words all wrong. Look what we come to y.
  • homeboy (28/05/2022, 20:46) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I breath of fresh air. She looks like a orderly person respect. Wish you all the best
  • smh (28/05/2022, 20:58) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Some you all bloggers need to comprehend bwfore typing. Bunch of negative mules.
  • Corine (28/05/2022, 21:03) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    Whatever Corine, this is not the first or last of old man speeches wagging a finger for air time (roll my eyes). Showing what they themselves did not address. Just do your best, remain vigilant, uphold the constitution and you’ll be great. A little goes a long way - we just need you to do a good and honest job, nothing more but nothing less and watch, the BVI getting better every day.
  • Too little too late. (29/05/2022, 13:10) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    "Because it is quite possible that you like others might misconstrue the meaning of speaker and its functions,” this is good solid advise he should have given to the ESTEEM.
  • @2 little too late (15/07/2022, 21:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    he couldn't touch the este emed because of the coAch , we don't know what they got on him , and we thought that pair was untouchable until one walked intout an ants nest and the other was sacrificed , much to
    His delight , so he flexing off now


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