Today marks a historic occasion for the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands as we welcome Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the 158th Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, to address this Honourable House.

This visit is unprecedented. Speaker Hoyle is the first sitting Speaker of the UK House of Commons to visit and address the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. His presence is not merely ceremonial; it is profoundly symbolic. It affirms the enduring constitutional relationship between the Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom and highlights the shared parliamentary traditions that continue to bind our institutions together.

Speaker Hoyle’s distinguished career reflects a lifelong dedication to public service and parliamentary democracy. First elected as a Member of Parliament in 1997, he later served as Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Ways and Means before his election as Speaker of the House of Commons in 2019. His tenure has been defined by a steadfast commitment to impartiality, the safeguarding of parliamentary integrity, and the strengthening of ties across the Commonwealth and the British Overseas Territories.

We are especially grateful for Speaker Hoyle’s steadfast support for the Virgin Islands at this pivotal moment in our parliamentary development. The recent passage of the House of Assembly (Management) Act, 2025, marks a significant milestone in strengthening the institutional independence, governance framework, and administrative capacity of this Honourable House; the legislation reinforces the separation between the Legislature and the Executive.

Speaker Hoyle’s encouragement and endorsement of this reform have been invaluable. His guidance demonstrates a deep appreciation for the essential role of strong, independent legislatures as pillars of democratic society. 

This visit stands at the intersection of history and progress. It honours our 75-year journey since the restoration of the Legislature, while reinforcing our determination to build a resilient and modern parliamentary institution capable of meeting the demands of the next 75 years.

We also warmly acknowledge the members of his delegation, including Ms. Helen Wood, Speaker’s Secretary and Chief of Staff, and Mr. David Clark, Director of External Affairs and Deputy Chief of Staff, whose work advances parliamentary diplomacy and international engagement.

May this visit deepen cooperation between our Houses, inspire continued institutional strengthening, and remind us that democracy is sustained not only by laws and procedures, but by relationships, mutual respect, and shared values.

On behalf of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere gratitude to Sir Lindsay Hoyle for honouring us with his presence and for addressing this Honourable House at this defining moment in our history.

Speaker Hoyle, we welcome you warmly to the Virgin Islands.