Information reaching our news room indicates that the Natalio Wheatley led Government is deciding between Keith Flax and Dancia Penn OBE as the Speaker of the 5th House of Assembly. We understand that both persons have been lobbying the Government for the position, but has the Territory moved on from the old guards? Responses coming in from across the Territory indicate that the Territory indeed would like to move on, but concerned that the HOA Members may not have.

There are those who feel that the immediate past Speaker Corine George-Massicote did an outstanding job and should be given a second opportunity, this time with a full tenure. George-Massicote was appointed in May of 2022 when the HOA had to be reshuffled based on former disgraced Premier Andrew Fahie’s arrest and the recommendations of the COI. She served for a short 9 months, and served the HOA with much intellect and poise.

Dancia Penn-Sallah OBE has served as the first local Attorney General of the Virgin Islands, she was a Member of the HOA under a Hon. Ralph O’Neal led VIP Government and first female Deputy Premier, as well as a former Deputy Governor. Most feel she has served her time and that it is imperative that we look at younger leadership such as Corine George-Massicote. 

Keith Flax is a former Speaker of the HOA. He served for 14 years before having to step down due to an undeclared contract with the then sitting Government. He is the longest serving Speaker, and most recently served as the Managing Director of the BVI Airport Authority. 

Younger generations of Virgin Islanders continue to bemoan the fact that the Senior generations seem to be unable to move on and create the space needed for the younger generations to flourish and make a mark. 

Most concerns to our newsroom indicate that they would like to see Mrs. George-Massicote given the opportunity to continue, or opportunities given to younger generations of Virgin Islanders. 

The First Session of the 5th Sitting of the House of Assembly is scheduled for May 18, 2022.