Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie has moved a motion in the House of Assembly to make provisions for the House to meet remotely.

During the Sixth Sitting of the of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly held on Friday, March 27, a motion for a new Sub Order of Section 91 of the Standing Orders was introduced and seconded by Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Honourable Kye M. Rymer.

The motion states, “Where it is impracticable, by reason of any emergency, for the House of Assembly to meet physically, the House may do so by electronic means. “

Premier Fahie expressed gratitude to the Leader of Her Loyal Opposition, Honourable Marlon A. Penn for supporting the motion, stating, “I want to thank the Leader of the Opposition for agreeing with the Government to meet only in emergencies through electronic means. That is very important so that the work of the people can continue.” The Premier concluded by saying, “That is what happens when we come together for a common good.”

Speaker of the House of Assembly, Honourable Julian Willock said, “I am encouraged by the Premier’s motion as it goes a far way in modernising the House of Assembly and it paves the way for the use of advanced technology in future meetings.”

The Sixth Sitting of the House of Assembly was held at Save the Seed Energy Center in Duffs Bottom, Tortola to accommodate for more space for social distancing among the members and staff of the House of Assembly amidst the Novel Coronavirus pandemic.