The Guyana Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has successfully hosted the 46th CPA Regional Conference of the Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic (CAA) Region on the theme of ‘Democracy: Challenges facing modern Parliament’.  

The CPA Regional Conference saw over 60 delegates from across the Region participate in the week-long conference from 1 to 7 September 2024 in Georgetown. The Regional Conference also focused on the pressing issues facing the wider region such as peace and security, migration and the impact of Artificial Intelligence. The Regional Conference was attended by Speakers and Members of Parliament from across the Region and guest delegates and observers from the wider Commonwealth.  

The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana, Hon. Manzoor Nadir, MP hosted the CAA Regional Conference and said: 

"As Speaker of the Guyana National Assembly, it was an honor to host the 46th CPA CAA Regional Conference on 'Democracy and Challenges Facing Modern Parliaments.' Bringing together Members from across the Region to share common challenges and solutions, the vibrant exchange of ideas on AI, security, governance and gender has equipped us to navigate the complexities of modern governance and fortify parliamentary democracy across our Region." 

During their opening speeches, leaders underscored the democratic challenges faced by jurisdictions in the Region and urged delegates to use the topics selected for discussion to take workable solutions and best practice back to their own Parliaments. 

The President of Guyana, Hon. Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali gave the keynote address and said: 

“Democracy thrives in an environment where diverse voices are heard and where differences are respected. In our increasingly polarised world, it is more important than ever that we promote dialogue and understanding, both within our parliaments and within our societies.” 

The Prime Minster of Guyana, Brigadier (Retired) Hon. Mark Phillips, MP said that:

“Today as we gather on the theme of Democracy: Challenges facing modern Parliaments, we are called to reflect on the essence of our democratic institutions and the evolving role of Parliaments in our rapidly changing world. The theme is both timely and imperative as it speaks to the challenges we face as Parliamentarians.” 

Representing the Guyanese Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ganesh A. Mahipaul, MP, said that:  

“Parliaments should focus on enhancing their understanding of global issues, ensuring that they are equipped to legislate in a world that is increasingly without borders.” 

The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg, welcomed delegates to the CPA CAA Regional Conference and briefed Members on the latest CPA activities. He stated that:  

“I was delighted to attend the 46th CPA Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Regional Conference in Guyana and to hear of the challenges facing Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff today. The CPA Regional Conferences offer opportunities to hear different perspectives from Commonwealth Parliamentarians across each Region as well as providing a space for Members to learn from each other.” 

The CPA Secretary-General also paid tribute to the second Commonwealth Secretary-General (1975-1990) and former Foreign Minister of Guyana, Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal, who passed away recently. 

Jack Hardcastle, Deputy Head of Programmes from the CPA Headquarters presented on the CPA’s Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures and the process of self-assessment available to CPA Branches as a method of improvement and progression. 

A number of nations and territories were represented at the Regional Conference, including Anguilla; Antigua and Barbuda; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; British Virgin Islands; Cayman Islands; Dominica; Guyana; Nevis; Saint Lucia; St Kitts and Nevis; Trinidad and Tobago; Turks and Caicos Islands. The Acting CPA Chairperson and Speaker of the Barbados House of Assembly, Hon. Arthur Holder, MP, SC also attended the Regional Conference. 

During the week, the 14th CAA Regional Conference for Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) took place and featured sessions on gender-sensitive Parliaments, healthcare access for women and girls and the experiences of women Presiding Officers. Presenters included Hon. Vindhya V. H. Persaud, MP, Minister of Human Services and Social Security and Family in Guyana and Benite Dibateza, Programmes Manager and CWP Coordinator at the CPA Headquarters. 

CWP delegates were also welcomed by the CWP CAA Regional Chairperson, Hon. Valerie Woods, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Belize and Janet Wallace, Finance Director at the CPA Headquarters (on behalf of the CPA Secretary-General). 

The 17th Caribbean Regional Youth Parliament took place at the end of the Regional Conference. Young people aged 18 to 29 years from across the Region came together to debate and experience parliamentary democracy in action. The youth delegates debated a motion on the benefits of greater youth representation in Legislatures. Representatives attended from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Cayman Islands, Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago. The Regional Youth Parliament provides a platform for young leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue on pressing issues within their jurisdictions and the wider region, fostering leadership skills and promoting youth involvement in governance. Many Legislatures in the CAA Region also hold their own Youth Parliaments. To watch the debate via YouTube please click here. 

The Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic (CAA) Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association includes 19 Legislatures, including national Parliaments and subnational and territorial Legislatures. The CPA Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Regional Secretariat is currently based in the Guyana Parliament. Find out more about the CPA Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Region. 

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For images of the 46th Regional Conference of the CPA Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic Region in Guyana please click here  

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association connects, develops, promotes and supports Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and the implementation of the enduring values of the Commonwealth. The CPA is an international community of around 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance.

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