The Honourable Mr. José Vanterpool recently returned home from attending the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s (CPA) Parliamentary Academy’s inaugural Advanced Development Residency Programme which took place in Sydney, Australia , from 21st – 27th May.
The CPA Parliamentary Academy was established in 2021, and comprises online courses, and externally delivered training for parliamentarians and parliamentary staff from across the Commonwealth. The residency courses are intended to complement the online courses, providing face-to-face interactive learning and knowledge-sharing at a more advanced level. This residency brought together over 30 currently sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), from over 10 countries, to engage in the immersive week long training hosted by the Parliament of New South Wales.
At the end of the programme, participants would have gained skills and insights in the following areas:
– Identify the characteristics of effective parliamentarians in the 21st Century;
– In-depth analysis and understanding of the legislative process;
– Strengthened communication, presentation and influencing skills;
– Improved scrutiny and oversight skills;
– Greater utilisation of engagement with external stakeholders for mutual gain;
– Increased capacity around analysis, planning, evaluation and research.
In addition to the above skills, participants were also establish a network of like-minded peers from across the Commonwealth who can provide long-term support and guidance.
Hon. Mr José Vanterpool who benefitted from this first of its kinda advanced training course represented the Anguilla House of Assembly and was one of 3 Caribbean MPs in attendance.
The training involved the intense scrutiny of an Environmental Bill to be introduced with the intention of eliminating plastic waste, and involved a field Visit to VISY, one of the largest recycled plastic producers and recycling plants in the world.
Mr. Vanterpool successfully completed his course of training, and looks forward to using his improved skills to continue to represent his people, and help to continue to advance and strengthen the House of Assembly as an institution. One specific area where Mr. Vanterpool has pledged to do so is in helping to see the House Administration Committee successfully meet the objectives of the current MOU and work-plan set out and agreed to with the CPA.
On the final day of the programme, as a gift and small expression of thanks for being a gracious host, Mr. Vanterpool presented the Speaker of the Parliament of New South Wales, the Hon. Mr. Jonathan O’dea, with Anguilla’s flag in the parliamentary chamber.
Mr. Vanterpool would like to express his thanks to the CPA, as well as the House of Assembly and its staff, for the opportunity. Most of all, he would like to thank the people of Anguilla for ultimately giving him the opportunity to serve and represent them.
– Press Release
