A delegation from the House of Assembly travelled to the Turks and Caicos Islands last month for the 45th Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
The CPA Conference of the Caribbean, The Americas, and the Atlantic Region featured various events, including the 13th Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, the Regional Executive Committee Meeting, and the 16th Regional Youth Parliament, according to government.
“The attendance of the Virgin Islands delegation at this prestigious conference demonstrates the region’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary practices, fostering gender equality in politics through the CWP conference, and empowering the youth through the Regional Youth Parliament,” said Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports Minister Sharie de Castro
The seven-day event, which wrapped up Friday, was themed “Building a Resilient Region in the Face of Global Challenges.”
Ms. de Castro described the conference as an opportunity to collaborate with parliamentarians and other stakeholders from across the region, share knowledge, and work towards building a sustainable future.
She added that the VI delegation was eager to participate in the sessions, workshops, and discussions designed to shape regional policies and initiatives.
The delegates
Besides Ms. de Castro (R-at large), the delegation included opposition member and Deputy Speaker Stacy Mather (R-at large); Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism Luce Hodge-Smith (R-D4); Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr. Karl Dawson (R-D1); opposition member Marlon Penn (R-D8); and HOA Clerk Phyllis Evans.
The CPA is a global organisation with approximately 180 branches divided into nine regions. It describes itself as an association of Commonwealth parliaments and legislatures committed to promoting democracy, good governance, and cooperation among member states.
The Caribbean, Americas, and the Atlantic Region of the CPA includes 19 legislatures, including the Virgin Islands, according to government.