The House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands opened 2026 with its first sitting on Tuesday, 13th January, following prorogation. This marked the First Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly, featuring the Speech from the Throne, Delivered by His Excellency, the Governor, Daniel Pruce. 

Governor Pruce delivered on the theme, Legislative Pillars of Progress: Building a Sustainable Nation.  

“Madam Speaker, the Second Session of this Fifth House of Assembly commenced on 7th January, 2025 and continued until 31st December 2025. By all indications, it was a very productive session, as the House deliberated on some 25 Bills, 21 of which were passed and 18 of which have been assented to”, Governor Pruce said.  After His delivery, His Excellency the Governor declared the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly open. 

Acting Premier Honourable Julian Fraser, tabled the following documents during the Sitting:

• Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Annual Report 2024;
• Statutory Instrument 2025 No. 119 – BVI Business Companies (Amendment of Schedules) Order, 2025;
• Statutory Instrument 2025 No. 120 – BVI Business Companies and Limited Partnerships (Beneficial Ownership) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations, 2025;
• Statutory Instrument 2025 No. 121 – Financial Services (Administrative Penalties) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025; and
• Statutory Instrument 2025 No. 122 – Financial Services (Limited Partnership Fees) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025.

The Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer laid on the table the following documents:

• British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation Annual Report 2021;
• Department of Water and Sewerage Annual Report 2023; and
• Department of Water and Sewerage Annual Report 2024.

The Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly is scheduled for Thursday, 15th January, at 4:00 p.m. in the Chamber in Road Town, Tortola.