Students from secondary and tertiary institutions across the Territory took part in a Youth Mock Sitting of the House of Assembly on Thursday, 19th February, engaging in a structured parliamentary debate on issues central to The Virgin Islands’ future.

The Youth Mock Sitting formed part of the official programme for the visit of the Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who was in the Territory during the week of 16th– 20th February, 2026.

The sitting, held at the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands, provided students with the opportunity to explore the topic “Securing Our Seas, Sustaining Our Future: Why The Virgin Islands Must Be Supported to Fully Develop a Blue Economy.” Participants examined the issue through multiple lenses, including economic growth and youth employment, environmental protection and climate resilience, food security and sustainable fisheries, marine innovation and education, and global responsibility.

In her opening remarks, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, emphasised the importance of youth participation in national development and democratic discourse. She described the blue economy as “not just about water, but about possibility,” highlighting the need for education to serve as the compass guiding young people toward leadership in sustainability,innovation,and prosperity. The Minister also noted that meaningful partnerships and shared responsibility are essential to ensuring The Virgin Islands is fully supported in realising the potential of its marine resources.

Throughout the sitting, students demonstrated confidence, preparation and critical thinking as they delivered thoughtful contributions aligned with their assigned perspectives. Their presentations reflected a strong understanding of the interconnected relationship between environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, and long-term national resilience. In total, 19 students from secondary and tertiary institutions across the Territory participated in the Youth Mock Sitting, representing a mix of public and private schools, including those in the sister islands. Schools represented included Elmore Stoutt High School, Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary, Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, BVI Seventh-day Adventist School, Claudia Creque Educational Centre, Cedar International School, Ciboney Centre for Excellence, and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

In his closing remarks, Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle commended the students for the quality of their debate and encouraged them to consider future careers in politics, noting that their performance demonstrated that democracy in the Virgin Islands remains strong and secure. He described the sitting as one of the finest debates he had heard in a long time. Member of the Opposition, Honourable Mitch Turnbull, also addressed the House, offering commendation to the students for their engagement, discipline and depth of understanding.

Following the Youth Mock Sitting, a luncheon was hosted in honour of Sir Lindsay and his delegation, providing an opportunity for continued dialogue in a more informal setting. Remarks were delivered by Minister de Castro, who highlighted that young people have the ability to shatter glass ceilings and secure their place at decision-making tables, reinforcing the importance of creating spaces where youth voices are heard, valued, and empowered. Members of the Ministry’s team were also in attendance.

During the luncheon, Sir Lindsay was presented with a collection of books by local authors, including Pass It On by Jennie Wheatley, The Irma Diaries by Angela Burnett, Dusk to Dawn by Hugo Vanterpool, and The Virgin Islands Dictionary by Kareem-Nelson Hull. Members of his delegation also received copies of The Virgin Islands Dictionary as a gesture of cultural exchange and goodwill.

The luncheon programme also featured a special musical selection performed by Briana Thomas alongside a member of the Virgin Islands All Stars. The performance offered Sir Lindsay and his team a preview of the musical excellence to be showcased at the United Jazz Foundation BVI Fundraiser Concert scheduled for Friday, 20th  February.

The Youth Mock Sitting served as a meaningful platform for students to apply classroom learning to real-world issues, strengthen their understanding of governance, and engage constructively with national and global challenges. The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports remains committed to creating opportunities that encourage youth leadership, civic engagement, and informed participation in the Territory’s democratic life.

Participants – Youth Mock Sitting of the House of Assembly

Speaker of the House of Assembly

Roman Alberto Nibbs – Elmore Stoutt High School

Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly and First District Representative

Carey-Ann McKie – Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary
 

Premier and Minister of Finance

D’Aunte Williams – H. Lavity Stoutt Community College

Deputy Premier, Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change and Third District Representative

Kimoyah Smith – Claudia Creque Educational Centre
 

Minister for Communications and Works

Zivieh Abraham – Elmore Stoutt High School
 

Minister for Health and Social Development

Malachi Thomas – BVI Seventh-day Adventist School
 

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports

J’Seanna Barnes – Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies
 

Attorney General

Eleazer Brooks – Bregado Flax Educational Centre

Leader of the Opposition and Sixth District Representative

Caleb Stoutt – Elmore Stoutt High School
 

Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development

Kellycian Paul – Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies

Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism

Eva Fox – Ciboney Centre for Excellence

Territorial At-Large Member

Kiarah Daniel – Elmore Stoutt High School

Territorial At-Large Member

Kaylin Adams – H. Lavity Stoutt Community College

Eighth District Representative

Kassidy George – Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary

Second District Representative

Malia Choucoutou – Cedar International School

Clerk

Keandre Matthew – BVI Seventh-day Adventist School

Assistant Clerk

Carol Hodge – Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies

Sergeant-at-Arms

Chaundre Liburd – H. Lavity Stoutt Community College

Chaplain / Prayer

Israel George – Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary