Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694422895166.pdf (Seychelles)
MAY 2018 Issue 01 • Volume 02 THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF SEYCHELLES - NEWSLETTER P A R L M A N MOVING FORWARD TOWARDS A MODERN DEMOCRACY Know More About Parliament This is the 2nd Edition of the official Newsletter of the 6th National Assembly of Seychelles.

The 1st Term ended on the 26th April 2018.

This issue of Parlman features information on the Media Committee & the Standing Orders Committee, as well as the Committee of Women Parliamentarians.
Our first Legal Corner is featured with a legal question from the public answered as well as a section showcasing the work of the Parliamentary Reporters Unit.

Our aim is to connect the National Assembly with the people and keep you informed on the work that takes place within these walls and on an international level.
The Public Relations, Communications & Protocol Unit Information Services Department T A B L E O F CONTENTS 2 M E S S A G E F R O M T H E S P E A K E R A Message from the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon.

Nicholas Prea 3-5 E X C L U S I V E I N T E R V I E W S Exclusive Interviews with the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Hon.
Philip Arissol on their First Term in their new roles An introduction into the world of the Parliamentary Reporting Unit 7-10 C O M M I T T E E W O R K Some more information on the work of the Media Committee, Standing Orders Committee and the Committee of Women Parliamentarians 12 L E G A L C O R N E R & T H E M A C E A response to a legal question communicated to Parlyaman by the Youth & Students for Peace - Seychelles and insight into what the Mace is all about!
13-14 N E W S & U P D A T E S Some brief updates on some of the work that has taken place - FPAC, 138th IPU General Assembly, Commonwealth Parliamentary Forum and more... 15 S P O T L I G H T O N T H E I N T E R - P A R L I A M E N T A R Y U N I O N A description of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, who they are and what they do!
16-18 T H E 2 4 T H C O N F E R E N C E O F S P E A K E R S & An article on the 24th Commonwealth Speakers & Presiding Officers Conference held in Seychelles in January 2018 19-24 P H O T O G A L L E R Y A selection of photos of the Swearing in of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, New MNA for Anse Boileau, the Message on the State of the Nation 2018, Committee events, visits and more... 25 C A L E N D A R O F S I T T I N G S The Calendar of Sittings for the Second and Third Term 1 A Message from the Speaker The National Assembly started 2018 with the 24th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) held at the Savoy Hotel from the 8th to the 12th of January.
Over 52 Speakers, Presiding Officers and their Clerks were in attendance.

After four days of intense deliberations the Conference concluded with a Post Conference Tour where our visitors were treated to a tour of the beautiful landscape of South Mahe.

The National Assembly was hailed for organizing a great event and I am really grateful for the efforts the Staff put in.
Mr. Terry Romain was exceptional as he took over the organization with eagerness and determination to host our friends from the Commonwealth, sorting out accommodations, venue and the program whilst most of us were busy with the Budget debate.

End of January the former Speaker resigned, sending the Secretariat for the first time in a transition mode.

This event also impacted on our calendar as we had to move the opening of the first meeting for 2018 forward.
During that time the Secretariat worked extremely hard and in the most professional manner to keep the National Assembly going.

MNAs continued with their duties unhindered.

At the time, I felt proud to be at the helm of such a great team with one vision to rise above everything and keep the institution going.

We forged ahead and even started tackling a new structure in line with our vision to turn the National Assembly into a professional, efficient and apolitical institution.
At the beginning of March history was again made when for the first time in the third Republic the Deputy Speaker was elevated to the office of the Speaker.

We saw the swearing in of the new Deputy Speaker, Hon.

Ahmed Afif and the new Member for Anse Boileau Hon.

Philip Arissol.

The National Assembly hit the road running with the Message on the State of the Nation by the President on the same day, and from then we have never looked back.
The work and representations of MNAs both at the local and international level has never been as prominent as now.

All members are active on different committees, engaged in their respective districts and are well represented on overseas missions.

As the National Assembly celebrates 25 years of its existence, preparations are underway to organize different activities to mark this auspicious occasion which will culminate with the launching of the revised Standing Orders on the 30th of July.
We are looking at 2018 as a year full of challenges, busy in terms of the work load, but one year that will go down in our history where members of the Secretariat have risen and delivered beyond expectations.

I wish the Staff of the secretariat courage and the MNAs success in their duties.

Hon.

Nicholas Prea Speaker of the National Assembly 2 Interview with the Speaker Hon.

Nicholas Prea is the first Deputy Speaker to be elected to Speakership in the history of the Third Republic.
Our National Assembly has gone through quite some historical feats in the past few months.

Parlman caught up with the Speaker to find out how his First Term has been and the hopes he has for the progress of the democratic Institution.

How has the first term as Speaker been?

The first term of 2018 has been tough but we managed to sail through the rough times.
After the transition period, the NA went straight to work with the President’s message on the “State of the Nation”, followed by reactions from the Members and, for 17 sittings, we worked tirelessly to keep up with the business of the House while at the same time consolidating the secretariat.

We did well thanks to the sheer determination of all staff.

What do you hope to achieve during your Speakership?
During my Speakership I want to build a strong, efficient, professional and impartial Secretariat that will serve ‘all MNAs’ and the public equally.

On this note I must congratulate all the MNAs for the work they are doing and for raising the standard of debates in the Chamber.

They are really committed in discharging their oversight role as representatives of the people and my role is to make sure we maintain this standard.
We need to educate our youths on the core role and mandate of the National Assembly.’ What do you think could be done to promote Parliament to the Youths?

We need to educate our youths on the core role and mandate of the National Assembly.

We should be targeting them through other programs to get them interested in the work of the various Committees to keep them informed on the extra responsibilities of MNAs.
What do you regard as the most important values that the National Assembly should continue upholding?

The National Assembly should continue to play a very proactive role in the new political environment, but should also continue to uphold the values of professionalism and respect at all times.

3 Interview with the Deputy Speaker Hon.

Ahmed Afif was sworn in as Deputy Speaker on the 6th March 2018.

Parlman caught up with him to find out how the First Term has been in his new role.
How has the first term as Deputy Speaker been?

It has been intense and certainly as far as I'm concerned it has been a learning curve especially in the new role as the Deputy Speaker.

I have had to get to grips with matters to do with the secretariat as well as get familiarized with the Standing Orders and general Assembly Rules.

That of course being in addition to the normal work of any Member which for this term has been quite challenging and as usual interesting.
You’re the first Deputy Speaker in the history of the National Assembly to be a Muslim.

How important is diversity and what value does it bring to the institution?

I think that as someone from a Muslim background I believe that it is an indication once again of the diversity of our culture and also shows a measure of representation that people of all faiths have a place in all national institutions.
It think it is all the more important in such an institution because that is the forum for debate generally in the country and by having such discussions done through people with as varied background as possible one can only lift the quality of views and diversity of views across the country.

What would you say are the most important achievements of the National Assembly thus far?
I think the most important achievements are to raise the bar in terms of the oversight role that the Assembly plays vis a vis the government.

To bring to the forefront many wide arranging and often opposing views to that of the Executive, which has been noticeably absent for a long time.

And then to create a new culture of openness and transparency that can only improve the manner in which all institutions function and promote better use of public funds.
How do you balance your role as Deputy Speaker with your role as an MNA for the district of Anse Etoile?

I do not find the responsibilities to be over daunting.

The role of the Deputy Speaker is very much restricted to the Institution itself and certain administrative functions related thereto.
My role as the MNA has not changed despite my position as Deputy Speaker and I continue to exercise that function with dedication despite all the constraints, including time, which are often binding - on all of us MNAs.

Being a small institution with precious few resources our responsibilities are not made any lighter given that our job also entails research, report writing, travel and other responsibilities which keep us busy invariably busy throughout the year, including recess.

4 Interview with Hon.


Philip Arissol Hon.

Philip Arissol was sworn in as the new Member for the District of Anse Boileau on the 6th March 2018.

In this interview he talks about how the First Term has been and his plans for the Second Term.

How has the First Term been as the new Member for the District of Anse Boileau?

It has been a great experience because after 35 years of working in Broadcasting this line of work is something very new and I have learnt a lot so far.
Having a great team, the LDS Team supporting me has made things easier and has enabled me to really settle in.

In my district there are quite a lot of issues especially concerning the youth being involved in drugs and as an MNA it’s something that is very prominent to tackle not only on a District level but also on a national level.
Land for farming and not getting enough financial assistance; fishermen not getting facilities; not having a fish and vegetable market are all issues that impact Anse Boileau and that I am trying to find ways to tackle.

Those are big challenges, all in all it’s been three months since I have sworn in and I am doing the best that I can and I’m getting along quite well.

What has been your most memorable experience so far?

The day I swore in was the most memorable experience for me.
That day was also the State of the Nation Address and was the time I first spoke in the National Assembly.

Being in the Assembly and listening to the State of the Nation right there was an incredible experience and even to then reply on behalf of my district to bring forward the impact it would have was a special moment.

How did you feel on the day that you took the Oath?

It was very emotional.

I was happy and it’s a giant step from where I was before.
It’s something new and challenging and there’s a lot of work to do.

All in all it was emotional but exciting at the same time.

What do you look forward to in the Second Term?

I will try and see if I can get support for a Motion on education – to introduce non-academic subjects at S4 and S5 level within business, farming, carpentry, design and other related fields to expand career opportunities for young people.
In my District I want to address the housing issues, as well as issues farmers are facing with lack of access to water and the roads.

To add to that, would like to see how the secondary roads can be be built and improved, as well as the repairing of roads at Anse Boileau.

5 WELCOME TO THE PARLIAMENTARY REPORTING UNIT KNOW MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF PARLIAMENTARY REPORTING 6 The Parliamentary Reporting Unit have very important duties to undertake.
Their main duties are to transcribe theNational Assembly verbatim, proof-read, edit and make it available to the public via our website.

The staff also have Chamber duties which include taking the Ministers into the Chamber and also recording all theproceedings of all the Sittings.

Parliamentary documents such as verbatim and summary reports of plenary sessions and committee meetings arefundamental records of the legislature.
The timely availability of these reports for Members of Parliament and the publichave become essential for achieving greater parliamentary transparency and accountability, as well as efficiency in thelaw-making process.

Many of us access the verbatim on the National Assembly websitebut are probably not very sure on how they get there in the firstplace.
All Verbatims are published on our website and can be readily madeavailable to the public by request however it's important toremember that the Parliamentary Reporting Unit require sufficienttime to type the Verbatim and Proof Read before making it public.
Mrs Florette Dufresne, the Principal Parliamentary Reporter,Mona Soopramanian, Anessa Pool, Nasha Camille andMureille Quilindo work hard to make sure ParliamentaryProceedings are recorded and available for the Public, the Membersand the Governmental Departments.
committee work Committees are set up under Article 104 of the Constitution, which provides the National Assembly with the powers to create Committees, which is one of the main mechanisms that the institution uses to foster good governance, transparency and accountability.
A large part of the work of the Members of the National Assembly takes place in these very Committees that are constitutionally empowered; where policy issues are considered, the work and expenditure of the Government is analysed and proposals for legislation examined and investigated.

The Committees are central to the oversight role of the institution and are mandated to carry out a given function and then report back to the House with recommendations and findings.

The Media committee H o n .


G e r v a i s H e n r i e CHAIRPERSON H o n .

F l o r y L a r u e VICE-CHAIRPERSON H o n .

S i m o n G i l l COMMITTEE MEMBER H o n .

J a n y D e L e t o u r d i e COMMITTEE MEMBER H o n .

W a v e l W o o d c o c k COMMITTEE MEMBER H o n .

C h a n t a l G h i s l a i n COMMITTEE MEMBER H o n .

P a u l E r n e s t a COMMITTEE MEMBER The Media Committee, is a Standing Committee of the National Assembly and was set up under Article 104 of the Constitution.
The purpose of the Media Committee as set by its Terms of Reference (TOR) is to ensure fair, proper, dignified and unbiased coverage of proceedings of the National Assembly.

The Committee exercises its functions through different instruments: - Committee Meetings: on every third Monday of the month, the Media Committee convenes its ordinary meeting to follow-up on issues and take matters arising.

Special meetings are held as and when required.


- Meeting with Media Houses: representatives of national media houses are invited to meet with the Committee at least once a year.

- Visits: the Committee occasionally conducts visits to the different media houses.

- Training workshops: the Committee proposes and assists with training for Members of the National Assembly and journalists in parliamentary reporting and broadcasting.
7 MEETING WITH MEDIA HOUSES TO FOSTER STRONGER RELATIONS On Monday 23rd April 2018 the Media Committee held a meeting with representatives from the Media Houses to discuss how the working relationship between the National Assembly and their respective organizations can improve.

The meeting was positive with vibrant ideas being shared amongst the attendees.
Representatives from the respective media houses were freely able to express their opinion as well as flag certain constraints when it came to reporting on Parliament.

The meeting was positive and a variety of Media Houses were present from the Print Media as well as Radio and Broadcasting; the Seychelles Media Commission also attended and shared their views.

Going forward the Media Committee will host this meeting regularly in response to the recommendations of the Media practitioners.
8 The Standing Orders committee H o n .

B e r n a r d G e o r g e s CHAIRPERSON H o n .

C l i f f o r d A n d r e VICE-CHAIRPERSON H o n .

S e b a s t i e n P i l l a y COMMITTEE MEMBER H o n .

W a v e n W i l l i a m COMMITTEE MEMBER H o n .

W a v e l W o o d c o c k COMMITTEE MEMBER H o n .

B a s i l H o a r e a u COMMITTEE MEMBER H o n .


R e g i n a E s p a r o m COMMITTEE MEMBER The Standing Orders Committee have been meeting regularly over the past term to discuss and review the current 96 Standing Orders that dates back to 2009.
In light of the progress and modern advancement of the National Assembly, the Committee has been continuing this reviewing project to set the tone by drafting a new set of Standing Orders that will equip the institution with the ways and means to continue working in a democratic and well governed structure.

The Standing Orders are the permanent written rules under which the House regulates its proceedings and the Standing Orders Committee is chaired by Hon.
Bernard Georges and is mandated consider all proposals concerning the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and to report its recommendations to the House.
The Standing Orders Committee, is a Standing Committee of the National Assembly and was set up under Article 104 of the Constitution, which provides the National Assembly with the powers to create Committees, which is one of the main mechanisms that the institution uses to foster good governance, transparency and accountability.A large part of the work of the Members of the National Assembly takes place in Committees that are constitutionally empowered; where policy issues are considered, the work and expenditure of the Government is analysed and proposals for legislation examined and investigated.
The Committees are central to the oversight role of the institution and are mandated to carry out a given function and then report back to the House with recommendations and findings.

The Committee plans to present the Report and proposed new Standing Orders before the end of the Second Term.

Click on Me Click on the Icon to read the Standing Orders 2009 9 The committee of women parliamentarians H o n .

C h a n t a l G h i s l a i n CHAIRPERSON H o n .

R e g i n a E s p a r o n VICE-CHAIRPERSON H o n .


A u d r e y V i d o t COMMITTEE MEMBER H o n .

J a n y D e L e t o u r d i e COMMITTEE MEMBER H o n .

S y l v a n n e L e m i e l COMMITTEE MEMBER H o n .

N o l i n e S o p h o l a COMMITTEE MEMBER H o n .

F l o r y L a r u e COMMITTEE MEMBER The Committee aims to encourage, advocate and empower women and girls in society.

During the First Term they participated in a few visits and meetings.
They made their first activity of 2018 a visit to the Perseverance Hospital on the 8th March 2018 on the occasion of International Women's Day and got the opportunity to interact with the patients and staff.

The aim of the visit was to learn more about the service provided and the facilities available.
On the 6th April 2018 they met with officers from the Poverty Alleviation and Agency for Drug Abuse & Rehabilitation with the purpose of learning more about what they have achieved, the challenges faced and the targets and vision for the way forward to fulfilling their mandate.

The alarming statistics of issues that was captured from surveys opened an interesting debate during discussions on how to change the trend and mindset of society thus getting the government to touch base on the core of the issues.
The participants present strongly weighed up that it is vital to define “one-stop shop” in having all stakeholders on board instead of each working in isolation.

The dire need for restructuring and developing the targeted program was highlighted, as well as monitoring and following up were all ideas brought up for the way forward.

Henceforth, it was mutually agreed by the participants to work jointly on different projects and forums to make a positive impact and bring about changes.
The Committee also met with Miss Seychelles and Miss Seychelles Plus separately on different dates during the month of April.

The main aim was to learn more about their project and plans for the duration of their mandate.

It was decided that a meeting will be set with both the Misses, to work on a project as a team intended towards inspiring the women and girls in the society.
Going forward the Committee anticipate to shore up its relationship with the community and further understand the pertinent issues affecting the lives of women, girls and children in society and bring out the matters that affect the targeted group to the forefront of the legislative platform.
10 Teachers Learning Space Supporting Teachers To Teach On Parliament Coming soon to the National Assembly 11 Legal Corner QUESTION: 'At the moment I believe there are no laws in Seychelles to protect the ANSWER: This question raises a very pertinent issue.

Social media can be a grey area, where people who want to do ill to others can do so from the relative safety of their homes, and often anonymously.
While there are no laws which specifically prevent online bullying, fraud, harassment and other abuse, or which protect victims, this does not mean that there are no laws at all.

The very same laws which prevent illegal and abusive behaviour in real life also prevent it online.
If a person is bullied, abused, harassed or defamed, or a fraud is perpetrated online, the laws of Seychelles will step in and take action against the perpetrator in the same way they would if the same thing had occurred on the street, or in a newspaper.

Where the law does not reach is in the realms of anonymity.

citizens nor acceptability measures in place from social media, cyber bullying, online fraud, online verbal abuse, online sexual harassment, copyright framework etc .
Legally is it possible to Re-examine our current constitution, the laws & copyright framework if we have any.

To confirm as to whether it applies to the digital age we live in?

If not then what are the procedures the citizens and constitutional bodies can take to ensure this changes happens.'

From Youth & Students for Peace - Seychelles Fake profiles allow a person to act illegally while hiding behind a profile which does not exist in reality.

This is where laws might need updating.


It could provide for penalties for illegal activity online as well as offline.

As for fake profiles what an updated law can do is to make the administrators of sites responsible for allowing their sites or platforms to be used for illegal or abusive activities.

Citizens and other interested bodies are encouraged to lobby their MNAs to bring about laws that affect them and bring forward the challenges currently at the forefront.

What is a Mace?
What is a Mace?

The Mace is the Symbol of the Speakers' authority and impartiality.

It is carried into the Chamber by the Sergeant at Arms, who is the custodian of the Mace.

In the National Assembly of Seychelles the Mace is placed upright in a special wooden stand on the Speakers' own right.

By Convention, the Assembly cannot proceed unless the Mace is present in the Chamber.
The National Assembly Mace is made of 'Bwa Nwar' and at the top of the Mace is an open book which represents the Constitution of Seychelles with the Preamble engraved on it.

The open book rests on a Coco De Mer which in turn rests on a drum like wooden bust with the crest of Seychelles engraved on the front.

The Mace of the National Assembly was designed and built by Mr. Colin Dyer a former Member.

12 NEWS & UPDATES!
12 NEWS & UPDATES!

138TH IPU GENERAL ASSEMBLY TRUTH & RECONCILIATION MET TO FINALISE PROPOSED LAW & PRESENTED THEIR REPORT FPAC PUBLIC HEARINGS ONGOING 13 Hon.

Waven William and Hon.

Jany De Letourdie accompanied by theDetupy Clerk, Mrs Tania Isaac attended the 138th Inter-ParliamentaryUnion (IPU) General Assembly that took place in Geneva Switzerland,from 24 to 28 March 2018.

Both Members got the opportunity to participate in forums andmeetings.

Hon.
Hon.

Waven William made a speech at the General Assembly stating onthe issue of sovereignty globalisation and integration.

The highlight of thesession was the second side meeting of the Small Island States that wasinitiated by Seychelles & Fiji last year.

The two Parliaments co-chairedthe second meeting in the presence of the IPU President, Hon.
Cuevas.The delegation also met with the IPU Secretary General of the IPU.The Truth & Reconciliation Committee of the NationalAssembly met during the First Term to finalise the proposedlaw that will establish a Truth & Reconciliation and NationalUnity Commission which will be considered and approvedby Cabinet after which it can return to the Assembly forfurther approval.

The Committee also presented their Report to the House.

Click on the image to access the Report.


The Public Hearings of the Finance & Public Accounts Committee have been ongoingduring the 1st Term.

Interviews took place on the continuing investigation of the FIU &NDEA Investigation and the 2016 Auditor Generals Report.

Click on the icon to watch the Hearings.

THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY FORUM IN LONDON HON.
WAVEL RAMKALAWAN FIRST SEYCHELLOIS PARLIAMENTARIAN TO CHAIR SADC PF STANDING COMMITTEE 14 150 Members of Parliament from across the Commonwealth convened in London on 26 February to 1 March 2018.

Hon.Gervais Henrie and Hon.

Sebastien Pillay attended the Commonwealth Parliamentary Forum in London whereby theyengaged in various discussions covering the issues of sustainability, fairness, security and prosperity within theCommonwealth.
As a member of the Commonwealth family, the two members from the National Assembly of Seychelles got theopportunity to participate in unique discussions, discovered new perspectives, initiatives and connections, that goingforward have equipped them and their Honorable colleagues with the readiness to address the four thematic issuesmentioned at the Forum upon their return to Seychelles.
The Democracy, Governance and Human Rights StandingCommittee of the Southern African Development CommunityParliamentary Forum (SADC PF) held its meeting in Johannesburgfrom 26-28 April, 2018.

During the meeting Hon.

WavelRamkalawan was unanimously elected Chairperson of the StandingCommittee.
It is the first time in the SADC PF history that a Seychelloisparliamentarian is elected as Chairperson of a Standing Committee.This Standing Committee is a very important and its main goal is tofoster a greater role for all member states in enhancing andoverlooking all issues of democracy, the respect of the rights ofindividuals and enhancing the promotion of a rule of law state.

Afurther task of the Committee is to select and send electionobserver missions to SADC countries during elections.
Spotlight On The Inter-Parliamentary Union The National Assembly is involved in many diverse international activities.

Through exchanges and participation in international parliamentary forums, the National Assembly looks to strengthen relations with other Parliaments; to support democratic processes; and to contribute to underpinning the role of parliament.
The National Assembly of Seychelles formally became a member of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) during its 122nd General Assembly held in Bangkok, Thailand from the 27th of March to 1st April, 2010 following a resolution adopted by the Governing Council of the Inter- Parliamentary Union.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is a unique organization made up of National Parliaments from around the world, including the National Assembly.
They protect and build global democracy through political dialogue and concrete action.

They currently have 178 Member Parliaments and 12 Associate Members.

They work closely with the United Nations and other partner organizations whose goals they share.

Today, they are the organization that most closely reflects world public opinion.
More than 6.5 billion of the world’s 7 billion people live in states whose parliaments are members of the IPU—and it is their elected representatives who engage in and steer their policies.

By bringing parliaments together, they bring people together.
15 The 24th Conference of the Commonwealth Speakers & Presiding Officers held in Seychelles The 24th Conference of Speakers & Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) was officially opened in the presence of around 50 Speakers and the President of the Republic of Seychelles, H.E.

Mr. Danny Faure as the guest of honor at the Savoy Resort in Seychelles.

The former Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, Hon.
Patrick Pillay, welcomed the delegates and encouraged them to experience the Seychelles’ unique local culture.

Hon.

Patrick Pillay also highlighted the work of the National Assembly of Seychelles that has seen greater transparency, openness and accountability.

As the Guest of Honour for the Opening Ceremony of the Conference, the President of the Republic of Seychelles, H.E.
Mr. Danny Faure officially addressed the Delegates emphasizing on the values of the Commonwealth and the importance of Parliaments in the development of free and democratic societies.

As per the tradition the Opening Ceremony, led by the then Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon.

Patrick Pillay, and the Sergeant at Arms, commenced with the official Speaker’s Procession with all Speakers dressed up in their ceremonial robes.
The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Executive Committee, Hon.

Emilia Monjowa Lifaka MP also attended the Conference and observed the working sessions.

The 24th CSPOC Conference, held from 08th to 13th January 2018 at the Savoy Resort and Spa, Beau Vallon, brought together the Speakers and Presiding Officers of 22 bicameral parliaments and 30 unicameral parliaments – a total of 74 members from 52 nations.
Topics varied from discussions on the use of technology to support Members and house business, touching on subjects concerning methods to improve and benefit the Parliaments through the use of technology; the development of efficient social media channels and website portals to ensure that parliamentary information is accessible not only to the parliamentary Members and staff but also to the public to promote democracy and transparency.
Other topics debated on centered on the role of the Speaker in parliamentary diplomacy for both regional and international co-operation, emerging security issues for Parliamentarians as well as strengthening parliamentary research for the effective functioning of legislatures.

The Speakers freely discussed best practices and challenges on all of these topics.
The British High Commissioner H.E Caron Roshler also hosted the Speakers to a cocktail at her residence on the 4th night whereby she welcomed the delegates to the islands.
The Speakers from the National Assemblies & Senates of the Commonwealth countries participated in Working Sessions and Plenaries, focusing on different topics of discussions on matters of Parliament; providing a forum for the sharing of Parliamentary best practices and fruitful collaborations across the national Parliaments of the Commonwealth States.

For one of the smallest member of the Commonwealth, Seychelles put up one of the best in organization and hosting of the CSPOC.
The 25th CSPOC will be held in Canada in 2020.

16 Photos of Memorable Moments of the 24th Conference of the Commonwealth Speakers & Presiding Officers held in Seychelles 17 The Speakers and Presiding Officers, accompanied by their Clerks and Parliamentary officials also visited the Parliamentary Museum and the Chamber of the National Assembly of Seychelles.

The visit was an educational tour where the Delegates had an insight on the functioning of the Assembly.
The conference, closed with the post conference tour which took the delegates through the tropical mountain and ended up at the beautiful set up of Cap Lazare where an authentic Creole buffet awaited them.
18 PHOTO GALLERY S w e a r i n g I n o f t h e S p e a k e r , D e p u t y S p e a k e r & 19 PHOTO GALLERY 20 PHOTO GALLERY O n g o i n g C o m m i t t e e W o r k 23 PHOTO GALLERY 21 PHOTO GALLERY A V i s i t f r o m t h e V i c e - P r e s i d e n t o f C u b a 22 PHOTO GALLERY 24 Calendar of sittings 22nd, 23rd, 29th, 30th S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 8 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th J U N E 2 0 1 8 5th, 6th,12th,13th,19th,20th,26th,27th O C T O B E R 2 0 1 8 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 30th, 31st J U L Y 2 0 1 8 3rd,4th,10th,11th,17th,18th,24th,25th,31st N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 1st,7th,8th R E C E S S : 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th R E C E S S : 2 0 T H D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8 25 want to stay updated?
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