The Right Honourable Sir Lindsay H. Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom (UK), has praised the recent passage of the House of Assembly (Management) Act, 2025, calling it a proud and defining moment in the parliamentary history of the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: GIS

Some of the persons in the gallery of the House of Assembly (HoA) to witness The Right Honourable Sir Lindsay H. Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom (UK), address the Virgin Islands' parliament. Photo: GIS

The Right Honourable Sir Lindsay H. Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom (UK), addressed the House of Assembly (HoA) on February 17, 2026. Photo: GIS

During his first official visit to the Virgin Islands on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Sir Lindsay addressed the House of Assembly (HoA). He stated that the House of Assembly (Management) Act, 2025, represents a significant step forward in strengthening democracy in the Virgin Islands by enhancing democratic institutions through modern and accountable legislation.

VI plays an integral role in OTs

Sir Hoyle highlighted the integral role of the Virgin Islands as part of the British Overseas Territories, emphasising its importance in the global context. 

He said, “In my time as Speaker, I've sought to increase the focus on the Overseas Territories (OTs) and raise their profile at every opportunity. We have provided the OTs with a dedicated space in Parliament, literally in the form of a room off Westminster Hall, which has become a popular venue for OTs to host meetings, receive visitors, and welcome dignitaries from home.”

'Stronger voice when we work together' 

Sir Lindsay highlighted that the Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers Conferences have been successful, stating that "Transitioning from a virtual gathering in 2021 to physical meetings in London, Anguilla, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. We have shown that we have a stronger voice when we work together, and I look forward to demonstrating this again at our next gathering in the Cayman Islands later this year."

Sir Hoyle noted that “these discussions are not only insightful and helpful, but they also foster a sense of community among us. The topics range from security and climate change to the separation of powers in the territories. Despite the differences in size between the UK and the OTs, we have discovered that many of our concerns and issues are similar, if not the same.”

The Speaker of the House of Commons, who became the first to visit the Virgin Islands, also pledged his support in finding ways to make incoming representatives from the OTs feel more welcome.