The Anguilla House of Assembly commenced its second Post-Election Seminar on Monday, 24th March, 2025. This three-day event, orchestrated in partnership with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters (CPA-HQ) and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch (CPA-UK), aims to refine the legislative acumen of both seasoned and newly elected members.
Attended by all currently elected Parliamentary members as well as members of the Youth Parliament, the seminar’s inauguration was marked by a brief address from the Hon. Ms. Tara K. Carter, Speaker of the House of Assembly. She extended a warm welcome to the assembly and introduced key figures, including Mr. Matthew Salik, Head of Programmes for CPA-UK, and Mrs. Victoria Bower, Head of International Partnerships at CPA-UK. She also expressed gratitude for their participation, emphasising the value of their expertise in enhancing Anguilla’s parliamentary processes.
Mr. Salik articulated the seminar’s collaborative ethos, highlighting the mutual benefits of shared experiences among parliamentarians. He remarked, “I believe very firmly that the only people that really know what it’s like to be a parliamentarian are other parliamentarians,” acknowledging the distinguished guests and international delegates from the UK, US, Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Isle of Man who would be contributing to the discussions and leading various sessions.
Mrs. Bower underscored the importance of active engagement throughout the seminar. She encouraged participants to be “informed, talkative,” and to foster an environment rich in “interaction, sharing, questions, and opportunities for answers.”
The seminar’s agenda was meticulously structured to address pivotal aspects of parliamentary function. Sessions delved into the characteristics of 21st century Parliaments, the powers and privileges of the Anguilla House of Assembly, and the intricacies of legislative processes. Discussions also covered conduct, ethics, and the resources available to both government and opposition members.
An open session on the final day was intentionally left unstructured, providing participants with the opportunity to propose topics of interest not previously covered in the agenda. Potential areas included media training and strategies for effective public engagement.
The seminar also placed significant emphasis on personal development. Sessions dedicated to mental health and well-being for parliamentarians, as well as masterclasses in speech and presentation, aimed to equip members with the tools necessary for effective leadership.
This initiative follows Anguilla’s recent general elections held on 26th February 2025, which resulted in a 8-3 victory for the Anguilla United Front and the historic appointment of Hon. Cora Richardson-Hodge as the island’s first female Premier.
The seminar represents a unified commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and fostering a culture of continuous learning within Anguilla’s parliamentary landscape.