About Us
The Legislative Assembly stands as a central institution of democratic life in Montserrat, upholding the traditions, processes, and public responsibilities that support effective lawmaking and accountable governance.
Our Mission
The Legislature Department exists to provide effective administrative, advisory and clerical support to the Legislative Assembly, facilitate public access to the legislative process, and promote sound parliamentary practices.
Our Vision
To achieve excellence in our service provision and responsiveness to parliamentarians, the public and other stakeholders as we seek to facilitate and perpetuate the processes of good governance.
Our Role
The Montserrat Legislature is responsible for carrying out several functions. Like other Legislatures, its most important function is to legislate — to make, amend, and repeal laws.
The Montserrat Legislative Assembly
The Legislature Department exists to provide support to the Parliamentarians to ensure that the democracy of Montserrat and the quality of governance is preserved and developed.
The Assembly carries out its work through sittings of the House, committee proceedings, and engagement with the public — upholding the democratic traditions that underpin good governance on the island.
The Mace
The mace is a ceremonial symbol of the Speaker’s authority. It is commonly accepted that the House is not properly constituted without the presence of the mace; therefore no business is conducted in the House without it. In fact, a Sitting of the House commences only when the mace is in place.
At the beginning of any Sitting of the House the Sergeant at Arms precedes the Speaker, bearing the mace as he/she enters the chambers. The mace is placed on the Speaker’s table where it remains until the House goes into Committee, at which time the Sergeant of Arms moves forward and places the mace on a bracket, in front of the table. On leaving the chambers of the house the Sergeant at Arms also precedes the Speaker, bearing the mace.