Office of the House of Assembly

• Name:                         Office of the House of Assembly
• Head:                          Alva Mc Call – Clerk
• Mailing Address:       P.O. Box 2390, Road Town, Tortola, BVI
• Physical Address:      Richard C. Stoutt Building, Wickham’s Cay, Road Town, Tortola
• Telephone:                 284-494-4757
• Fax:                             284-494-4544

Background:

The Office of the Clerk co-ordinates House of Assembly support services and ensures that all forms of business pass through each of the required procedural steps. The Office prepares, processes, and maintains all legislative records and documents of the House. It ensures the accuracy and composition of the Orders of the Day, the Summons, and the Minutes and Reports of the various Committees of the House.

The Office co-ordinates the operation of and provides support service to special and select committees of the House. This includes all logistical and legislative requirements of committees as well as the provision of procedural advice.

The Clerk provides confidential and impartial advice to the Speaker and to Members of the House. This advice pertains to matters of parliamentary procedure and the interpretation of the rules and practices of the House.

Plans and Programmes:

The overall objective of the Office of the House of Assembly is to provide essential support services for Members of the House in the exercise of their parliamentary functions, in an informed and efficient manner, and to inform the public, on an on-going basis, about the parliamentary procedures of the House of Assembly.  In addition, the Office strives to be seen, locally, regionally and internationally, as a leader in the provision of parliamentary services.

Existing departmental plans include:

• establishment of a sound organizational structure;
• enhanced public education;
• enhanced library services;
• development of a Hansard Unit; and
• improved safety and security for Members and staff

Budget and Staff:

Staffing of the Office of the House of Assembly consists of seventeen posts divided into four units:

• Administration (10)
• Information and Public Relations (3)
• Security and Maintenance (3)
• Hansard (1)