VI Speaker objects to territorial flag snub at Commonwealth conference

The Speaker of the House of Assembly has objected to the exclusion of the Virgin Islands flag at a major Commonwealth gathering in Cape Town, South Africa, held from September 13 to 19.

At the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, event organisers chose to display only the flags of countries that have constitutional ties to territories, rather than the territorial flags themselves. During proceedings, Corine George-Massicote voiced her displeasure with the arrangement, saying: "I hoped that this was an oversight by the host branch, but apparently it is not."

George-Massicote raised the issue on behalf of multiple Overseas Territories affected by the decision, namely the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Montserrat. She noted that these jurisdictions had no prior opportunity to comment on the flagging policy before it was implemented.

The Speaker stressed that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association describes itself as committed to inclusivity and equal standing, yet the territories did not feel recognised in that spirit. She underlined that the Virgin Islands maintains independent membership in the CPA, operates its own Legislature and sends its own delegation. She also clarified the financial arrangement: "The United Kingdom does not pay our fees, and we do not pay our fees through the United Kingdom."

George-Massicote called on organisers to involve territories in future decisions about how they are represented at Commonwealth events and conferences. Her remarks drew backing from delegations representing Botswana, British Columbia, Scotland, Gibraltar and St Helena, according to a House of Assembly statement.

The conference drew over 500 voting delegates and examined parliamentary democracy, artificial intelligence, climate resilience, human rights, disability inclusion, youth participation and issues facing smaller jurisdictions. The Virgin Islands delegation was led by George-Massicote and included Opposition Leader Marlon Penn, Ronnie Skelton, Melvin Turnbull and Clerk of the House of Assembly Bethsaida Smith-Hanley.