Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development Honourable Sharie B. de Castro is representing the Government of the Virgin Islands at the 2019 Westminster Seminar on Effective Parliaments in the United Kingdom.

The annual seminar is the United Kingdom (UK) Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s (CPA) flagship capacity development programme which takes an experience-based approach, drawing on the perspectives of contributors and participants to stimulate discussion and learning on the role of Parliamentarians and Clerks.

Honourable de Castro said, “I am happy to be a part of this cohort where the possibilities are there for gaining a deeper understanding of the components that make up an effective parliament within the Westminister context.” 

“This seminar has provided the opportunity to widen networks and to create open communication lines to work collaboratively with peers.” Honourable de Castro added.

The objective is for delegates to learn collaboratively in an interactive environment, enhancing their ability to effectively scrutinise, represent and deliver oversight on their respective parliaments.

The programme is in its 68^th year and provides a unique platform for participants from across the Commonwealth to network and engage with counterparts, exploring approaches to parliamentary democracy, practice and procedure in the context of the Westminster System and drawing comparisons between Commonwealth legislatures.

The seminar commenced on Monday, November 25 and will run to Friday, November 29 in Westminster, London.

CPA UK supports and strengthens parliamentary democracy throughout the Commonwealth. It focuses on key issues including women in parliament, modern slavery, financial oversight, security and trade. Peer to peer learning is central to the way CPA UK works. CPA UK brings together UK and Commonwealth parliamentarians and officials, to share knowledge and learn from each other. CPA UK’s aim is to improve parliamentary oversight, scrutiny and representation, and is located in the Palace of Westminster and funded by the UK Parliament.