Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Corine N. George-Massicote sounded the alarm over the exclusion of the flag of the Virgin Islands (VI) and those of other participating United Kingdom Overseas Territories at the 69th Commonwealth  Parliamentary Conference (CPC). Photo: Facebook/HoA

The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference brought together parliamentarians and parliamentary officials from across the Commonwealth under the theme, 'Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership’ in Cape Town, South Africa, from September 13 to 19, 2026. Photo: Facebook/HoA

The conference brought together parliamentarians and parliamentary officials from across the Commonwealth under the theme, 'Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership’ in Cape Town, South Africa, from September 13 to 19, 2026. 

Addressing the CPA General Assembly, Hon George-Massicote said she was speaking on behalf of not just the VI but all the OTs in the Caribbean, specifically the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Montserrat and Turks and Caicos Islands. 

‘We do not feel included’

Hon George-Massicote said she hoped the exclusion of the flags was an oversight by the hosting branch; however, it turned out to be a deliberate decision that did not allow OTs to be represented by their flags being displayed. Instead, they displayed the flag of the country with which each territory is constitutionally associated.

“This is an association that prides itself on inclusivity and parity, and we do not feel included, and that’s a shame.”

She advised organisers going forward to address this concern, adding that she hopes the flags of the OTs can be displayed at future conferences as they are members of the CPA.

'UK doesn't pay our fees'

“The United Kingdom does not pay our fees, and we do not pay our fees through the United Kingdom,” Hon George-Massicote informed. 

The VI’s delegation included the Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, Hon Marlon  A. Penn (R8); Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL); Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2); and Clerk of the House of Assembly, Mrs Bethsaida Smith-Hanley. 

The intervention received support from delegates, including representatives from Botswana, British Columbia and Scotland, as well as other affected territories, including Gibraltar and St Helena.