Population changes present unique dynamics and challenges that are often magnified due to the limited scale and availability of resources that small jurisdictions face. In small jurisdictions, even minor shifts in population can have significant impacts, leading to pronounced economic, social, and infrastructural effects.
Economic growth can be both a blessing and a curse, as an influx of new residents may boost local businesses but also strain existing services and infrastructure. Conversely, population decline lead to underutilised assets and a shrinking tax base, exacerbating financial challenges. Phenomena such as “brain drain”, where educated and skilled individuals leave for opportunities in larger jurisdictions also present specific and pronounced challenges to small jurisdictions. The specific demographics of the population change, such as age or income distribution, can further complicate these dynamics, while cultural and community cohesion can also be affected, as new populations may bring diverse values and traditions, enriching the community but also potentially leading to tensions.
Parliamentarians play a crucial role in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with population changes in small jurisdictions. As representatives of the people, they are uniquely positioned to understand the local dynamics, including issues like "brain drain," economic growth, and community cohesion. Through legislation, oversight, and advocacy, Parliamentarians can also help shape policies that respond to the specific needs and aspirations of small jurisdictions.
The insights and discussions from this workshop will provide valuable perspectives for Parliamentarians to further their understanding and action on this complex issue.
Sasha is a Deputy of the States of Guernsey elected in 2020 and a member of the Committee for Economic Development and the Development and Planning Authority. She leads on Digital, Skills and Entrepreneurship policy development, chairs Digital Guernsey and is the co-chair of Skills Guernsey. She is also a representative on the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians committee for the British Islands and Mediterranean Region of the CPA.
Juan was born and raised on the Isle of Man. He attended the University of Lincolnshire and Humberside, obtaining a BA(Hons) Management with First Class Honours. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) in 2005, became a Fellow in 2015 and a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute in 2016. He was admitted a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and Manufacturing in 2020.
First elected in 2006, he held junior posts in Social Security, Housing and Estates and later for Planning and Building Control, Financial Services and the Companies Registry.
He was Minister for Home Affairs from 2011 until 2016.
In 2016, he was elected as Speaker of the House of Keys; and was re-elected in 2021.
He is the current Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, and has served on that committee for over 12 years. and has published articles in the Parliamentarian on Public Finances.
He is also Chair of the Tynwald Standards and Members' Interests Committee, the Tynwald Management Committee, the Standing Orders Committee of Tynwald, the Standing Orders Committee of the House of Keys, the Emoluments Committee, the House of Keys Management and Members' Standards Committee, and the Select Committee on Poverty.
Outside Tynwald he is married with two children, is interested in history and collects cufflinks and bad jokes.
Dr. Webster was born in Island Harbour, Anguilla, and attended primary and secondary school in Anguilla. He was the recipient of a Government of Anguilla scholarship and studied Dental Therapy in Trinidad. He provided dental care for children in Anguilla for two years, and then attended the University of the Virgin Islands, where he graduated in three years summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Dr. Webster attended and graduated from Yale University with a Master of Science degree in Biology and a Doctor of Medicine degree. While in college and medical school, Dr. Webster was active in student government locally and regionally.
Dr. Webster completed a residency in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Iowa, and moved to Florida, where he practiced for over 20 years. While maintaining a busy practice, Dr. Webster provided ENT care for indigent patients from Florida and Caribbean countries. He was also engaged in Mentoring Programs for elementary and high school students in Florida, leading the society for minority physicians in Palm Beach County, chairing Sections of Otolaryngology and Departments of Surgery at different hospitals, and was involved in political campaigns local, state and national in the USA. Dr. Webster was awarded the 2018 Frist Humanitarian Award by the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA).
Dr. Webster opened an ENT practice in Anguilla in 2010 to help improve access to health care, and is committed to developing multi-specialty care in Anguilla.
Dr. Webster became involved in Anguillian politics in 2014 and became the third leader of the Anguilla United Movement (AUM). He was unsuccessful contesting the 2015 general election. In 2019, the AUM was rebranded as the Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) and was successful in the 2020 general election. Dr. Webster serves as Premier and Minister of Finance, Health and Economic Development in Anguilla and has chaired the OECS Committee of Ministers of Health and served on regional panels.
As Premier, and Leader of Government Business, Dr. Webster is committed to enhancing the lives and ensuring a brighter future for the people of Anguilla.
Year first elected: 2019
Parliamentary Career
Re-elected in 2022
Deputy Minister for Women & Social Development Affairs
Deputy Minister for Nauru Tourism Corporation
Deputy Minister for People Living with Disabilities
Deputy Minister for Nauru National Heritage Museum
Interests
The following recommendation was endorsed by the delegates at the workshop:
