Information reaching our newsroom is that a possible nominee of the ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government, Ms R. Dancia Penn, OBE KC has failed to receive the full support of all Government members of the House, which paved the way for former Speaker, Ms Corine N. George-Massicote to be elected as speaker of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA).
This came during today’s May 18, 2023, Swearing-In Ceremony and First Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex where Ms Massicotes received the nomination of the Government and Seconded by the Opposition to take the chair as Speaker to preside over the Fifth House.
In relation to the nomination for the Depuy Speaker, the House moved to a recess following Government nominations of Luce D. Hodge-Smith and Stacy Mather from the Opposition, after a contention as to whether Mrs Hodge-Smith can be elected Deputy Speaker while serving as a Jr Minister.
Ms Corine N. George-Massicotes take the oath of office to as Speaker to preside over the Fifth House.
Either former Speaker Corine N.
George-Massicote, left, or Mrs R. Dancia Penn OBE KC, right, will be
voted in as Speaker of the Fifth House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands
on May 18, 2023.
Former Speaker Mr Julian Willock is in
support of Mrs Corine N. George-Massicote becoming Speaker of the Fifth
House of Assembly (HoA).
The Government, left, and Opposition seats for the Fifth HoA set to convene at 10:00 AM on May 18, 2023.
More details to come.