For the first time, in the history of parliamentary elections in Anguilla, a Post- Election Seminar will be held on the island. The event is scheduled for August 10-15 in the Anguilla House of Assembly. This is according to information released by the Hon. Speaker, Mr. Leroy Rogers.
The seminar has been organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association for the British Islands and Mediterranean Region (MIMR). The overseas facilitators for the various sessions will comprise Ms Sharlene Cartwright Robinson MP of the Turks and Caicos islands; and from the United Kingdom, Duncan McNeil MSP, Dr. Matthew Oxford MP; and Duncan Sagar, Clerk of Committee, House of Lords.
A number of local persons will participate in the seminar and some of them will chair particular sessions over the two days. They have been selected from the Governor’s Office, the Anguilla Government and the House of Assembly. It is understood that two participants from the British Virgin Islands, and one from the Cayman Islands, are also expected to attend the seminar.
On the opening day, Monday, August 10, the first session will involve a Political & Constitutional Overview of Anguilla. This will include putting the politics of Anguilla in its current context; looking at the role of the executive, legislature and judiciary; recent and potential reforms; and the role of the Governor, Government and Parliament. The second session will be on Parliamentary Practice & Procedures. This will take into account a brief overview of the rules and procedures of the House of Assembly; and case studies of alternatives. There will also be an analysis of how to change the standing orders and how to include modern processes into traditional methods.
Session three will focus on Administration & Parliamentary Business. This will include how the House of Assembly is financed and administered; managing urgent and topical issues while maintaining a legislative timetable; who decides on legislative business and what role the Opposition can play; and a review of the parliamentary calendar for a Throne Speech and the dissolution of the Assembly.
Session four will cover The Role of Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries and Backbenchers. It will examine how they can influence and impact politics in their jurisdiction.
Session five will cover A Comparative Study of the Legislative Process. This will include highlighting the process for drafting, amending and passing legislation to ensure the best outcome is achievable. There will also be a chance to look at the role of legislation introduced by backbenchers.
Session six will look at Political Parties and Parliaments. This will include the role of political parties beyond an election; how they can strengthen democracy and support parliamentarians in their duties.
Session seven will concentrate on Holding the Executive to Account – From Committees to Ministerial Questions. This will look, among other matters, at how these processes and bodies can succeed or fail and how accountability is possible in small legislatures.
Session eight will examine Standards, Privileges, Ethics and Interests. This will look at what standards parliamentarians should uphold and abide by in their roles as elected representatives; and how they can be monitored to guarantee fairness and be policed.
Session nine is a Brainstorming Session: Engaging with the Public, Media and other stakeholders. This will include how politicians can reach out to people and organisations; how to address the lack of political engagement; and what are the most effective strategies to engage young people.
Other sessions will examine such matters as Youth Parliamentarians: Introduction to Parliamentary Practice and Procedure; Effective Debating Skills; a Public Accounts Committee Workshop; the Role of the Clerk to the House of Assembly; the Role of the Speaker; and a Feedback Session.
