Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698926012463.pdf (Saint Kitts and Nevis)
THE ST. CHRISTOPHER AND NEVIS BRANCH OF THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION (CPA) 42nd Conference OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION (CPA) THEME: “Enhancing Democracy through the Use of the Parliamentary System and the Media.” Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis | 16 - 24 June 2017 WELCOME THE ST. CHRISTOPHER AND NEVIS BRANCH OF THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION (CPA) St. Christopher and Nevis Branch wishes to extend a very warm welcome to all Delegates, Women Parliamentarians, Secretaries, Youth Parliamentarians and Observers to the 42nd Regional Conference of the Caribbean, the Americas and the Atlantic Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, being held in Basseterre, St. Christopher from 16th to the 24th June 2017.
The theme of Conference 42 is, “Enhancing Democracy through the Use of the Parliamentary System and the Media.” CONFERENCE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Conference Chairman Hon.

A. Michael Perkins, Speaker of the National Assembly Deputy Speaker Hon.
Senator Akilah Byron-Nisbett Conference Coordinator Ms. Sonia Boddie, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly Clerk - Jose Lloyd Regional Youth Parliament Coordinator Mr. Azard Gumbs Superintendent Cromwell Henry Mr. Lesroy Williams Mr. Nigel Williams Mr. Michael Penny Ms. Shara Maynard Ms. Amicia Mussenden Mr. Theodore Brown Mr. Duran Williams ABOUT THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION Founded in 1911, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is an organisation made up of parliamentarians from Commonwealth Legislatures.
The organization works to promote the ideals of democracy in its member Parliaments and among member parliamentarians and electors.

It does so by enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance.

The CPA is headquartered in London, United Kingdom and the Secretariat is headed by a Secretary General who implements the policies of the Executive Committee, the body that is responsible for the control and management of the business of the Association.
The General Assembly which meets at least twice annually is the Association's supreme authority.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is divided into nine Commonwealth geographic regions: Africa, Asia, Australia, British Islands and Mediterranean, Canada, India, Pacific, South-East Asia and the Caribbean, America and Atlantic.
The CPA promotes its demographic deepening objectives through the holding of: • Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Conferences Regional Conferences Parliamentary Seminars and workshops Parliamentary Symposiums Parliamentary Publications Interparliamentary Visits • • • • • CONTENTS Message from Chairman ........................................... Members of the Regional Commonwealth Parliamentary Association & Delegations ........................................ 1 2 Youth Parliamentarians .............................................. 3 Profiles of Delegates .................................................. 4 Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Meeting and Conference .......................................... 17 42nd Regional Conference Schedule .................... 18 About the National Assembly .................................. 20 Acknowledgements .................................................... 22 About St. Christopher & Nevis ................................. 23 THE HON.
A. MICHAEL PERKINS Speaker of the National Assembly Conference Chairman Dear Delegates, The St. Christopher & Nevis Branch of the Caribbean, the Americas and the Atlantic Region (CAAR) of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), is delighted to host this 42nd Regional Conference.
The tremendous, and at times seemingly overwhelming efforts that it has taken us to get to this point, reminded me of the very pointed quotation by the famous, retired 4-star General of the US Army, Colin Luther Powell: “There are no secrets to success.
It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failures.” As you are aware, the theme for the Conference is “Enhancing Democracy through the Use of the Parliamentary System and the Media.” This theme was crafted in light of the fact that a lot more still needs to be done to advance our democratic capacities and rights.

I hold the view that such can only be achieved through greater communication, cooperation and honesty in our discussions.
And, I further accept that we need the help of the Media to do so.

As a vital umbrella body, our Regional CPA Branch, is, or should be, ideally poised to forge the links that would make the above stated objectives possible.

I say “should be” because it is well-known that the functioning of most of our individual branches is just not at the level that it should be.
It is my wish therefore, that this Conference, by bringing Parliamentarians together from across our Region, and further afield, would resolve - once again – to do whatever is necessary to improve the relationship between Parliamentarians, which inextricably would impact upon the quality of our Democracy.

We meet this year in a forum that is blessed with the natural Caribbean charms of sun, sea, scenery and our own peculiar styles.
The Caribs called these isles Liamuiga – fertile land for St. Kitts, and Oualie – land of beautiful waters – for Nevis.

I anticipate that this idyllic setting would therefore yield equally fertile discussions and collaboration as we seek to deal with our challenges, emphasise our strengths, and realise an enhanced DEMOCRACY!

The Hon.

A Michael Perkins Speaker of the National Assembly Conference Chariman CPA BRANCHES AND DELEGATES/OBSERVERS ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA (Bicameral) CAYMAN ISLANDS (Unicameral) Hon.
Sir Gerald Watt, QC, Speaker/Delegate Hon.

Joanne M. Massiah, MP, CWP/Delegate Hon.

Alincia Williams-Grant, CWP/Delegate Mrs. Ramona Small, Clerk/ Branch Secretary Hon.

Bernie Bush, Speaker/Delegate Hon.

W. McKeeva Bush, -Speaker/ Plenary Ms. Barbara Conolly, Plenary Mr. Kenneth Bryan, Plenary Hon.

Juliana O’Connor Connolly, JP, Plenary BARBADOS (Bicameral) Hon.

Michael Carrington, Speaker, QC, MP Hon.

Kerryan Ifill, Assistive Technology Consultant Hon.
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic, Plenary Mr. Pedro Eastmond, Plenary BERMUDA (Bicameral) Hon.

Randolph Horton, Speaker/Plenary Hon.

Kim Wilkerson, JP Mrs. Shernette Wolfe, Plenary BRITISH ISLES Ms. Kristina Moore, Observer Mr. Kenneth Gibson, Observer BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS Hon.

Ingrid A. Moses-Scatliffe, Speaker/ Plenary Hon.

Alvera Maduro-Caines, Plenary Hon.

Melvin Turnbull, Plenary Hon.

Marlon Penn, Observer Ms. Lorna Choucoutou, Observer CAMEROON Hon.

Emilia Lifaka Monjowa, Delegate/Observer CANADA Hon.
Nils Clarke, Speaker/ Observer 2 DOMINICA (Unicameral) Hon.

Alix Boyd Knight, Speaker/ Plenary Mr. Daniel James, Clerk/ Branch Secretary GUYANA (Unicameral) Ms. Keshanna Murledhar, Plenary Hon.

Pauline Campbell Sukhai, MP Hon.

Annette Ferguson, M.P.

JAMAICA (Bicameral) Hon Pearnel Charles, Speaker/ Plenary Mrs. Heather Cooke, Regional Branch Secretary Hon Dwayne Vaz, Plenary Ms. Kerensia Morrison, Senate/Plenary MONTSERRAT (Unicameral) Hon.

Shirley Osborne, Speaker/ Plenary Hon.


Ingrid Buffonge, Delegate REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Hon.

Nigel De Freitas, Plenary Hon.

Glenda Jennings-Smith, Plenary Hon.

Vidia Gayadeen-Gopeesingh, Plenary Hon.

Dr. Dhanayshar Mahabir, Plenary Hon.

Nigel DeFreitas, Plenary Mr. Julien Ogilvie, Plenary Ms. Sharon Combie, Observer Ms. Sophia Cooper, Observer 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS BARBADOS Hon.

Derek Taylor, Plenary Hon.


Dwayne Taylor, Plenary Mrs. Tracy I. Parker, Plenary ST. CHRISTOPHER & NEVIS Hon.

Anthony Michael Perkins, Speaker Hon Shawn Richards, Plenary Hon.

Lindsay Grant, Minister of Government Hon.

Sen. Wendy Phipps, Plenary Hon.

Sen. Akilah Byron-Nisbett, Plenary Rt.

Hon.

Dr Denzil Douglas, Plenary Hon Marcella Liburd, Plenary Hon Patrice Nisbett, Plenary Hon.

Konris Maynard, Plenary Hon.

Nigel Carty, Plenary Ms. Sonia Boddie NEVIS ISLAND Hon.
Farrel Smithen, President of the Nevis Island Assembly Hon.

Vance Amory, Plenary Hon.
Hazel Brandy-Williams, Plenary/CWP Ms. Myra Williams YOUTH PARLIAMENTARIANS ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA (Bicameral) Ms. Ikayla Ceaser Mr. Kamarlie Mannix Ms. Russhell Ellis BERMUDA Ms. Ajai Peets Yasser Baia Ms. Danika Griffin Mr. Ade O’Neal Ms. Deborah Thornhill Mr. Dia Parris CAYMAN Ms. Bianca Meghoo Mrs. Debra Broderick-Chaperone Mr. Richard Weber ST. CHRISTOPHER & NEVIS Mr. Ackeem Alexander Mr. Azard Gumbs Ms. Azuree Liburd Mr. Christian Nathaniel Mr. Dennis McCall Ms. Shajunee Gumbs Ms. Sonia Boddie Ms. Tarique Hercules NEVIS ISLAND Ms. Britney Simmonds Ms. Celestial Hanley Ms. Delecia Burke Mr. Devonne Cornelius Ms. Jvanti Liburd-Chaperone Ms. Lauren Lawrence Ms. Lekaih Lescott Ms. Tamu Reid -Chaperone TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Noor-ud-Din Mohammed Vivian Wall 3 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA BIOGRAPHICAL PROFILES OF DELEGATES ANTIGUA & BARBUDA HON.
JOANNE M. MASSIAH CWP HON.

SIR.

GERALD WATT, QC Speaker - Plenary HON.

SIR GERALD WATT, QC Speaker, Delegate Profession: Attorney-at-Law, Barrister Career: Sir Gerald Watt joined the Antigua Civil Service and worked as a Junior Clerk at the Electricity Department (1958 to 1960).

Four years later, he joined the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple London, England, and was called to the Utter Bar on 24 November 1964.
He was called to the Antiguan Bar on 7 January 1965 and entered private practice (1965 to 1971).

During this time, Sir Gerald Watt served in Parliament of Antigua as an appointed Senator.

He was next elected to the House of Rep- resentatives and served (1971 to 1975).

During this 4-year period, he was appointed Minister of Public Utilities and Communication (1971 to 1973), and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs & Labour (1974 to 1975).

In 1976, Sir Gerald Watt returned to private practice.
He was elected President of the Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association in 1983 - 1986, appointed as one of Her Majesty’s Counsel on 19 November 1997, and was called to the Inner Bar on 19 December 1997.

On 1 October 2005 he was appointed Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC).

Today, Sir Gerald Watt maintains his appointment as Chairman and continues in private practice.
MRS. RAMONA SMALL EDUCATION: University of the West Indies, Monroe College, Cumbria University PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: AS, BA, MA CAREER: Clerk to Parliament HON.
SEN. ALINCIA WILLIAMS GRANT CWP EDUCATION: Hugh Wooding Law School, University of Wolverhampton PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Law, LEC CAREER: Current - President of Senate, Attorney at Law and Notary Public Former - Director of Antigua Commercial Bank 4 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA BARBADOS HON.
MICHAEL CARRINGTON, QC, MP Speaker EDUCATION: 1987-1989 Hugh Wooding Law School, 1985-1987&amp;1981- 1984 UWI (Cave Hill) PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: L.E.C., LL.B., BA CAREER: 1989-1990 - Research Officer Cave Hill, 1990 - Present Private Law Practice specialising in land, Commercial and Family Law, 2003 – Admitted to Inner Bar, 2008 – Present- Member of Parliament for St. Michael West and Speaker of the House of Assembly.

HON.
HON.

KERRYAN IFILL Senate President - Plenary EDUCATION: University of the West Indies PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: MBA, BSC CAREER: Assistive Technology Consultant HON.
LT. COL. JEFFREY BOSTIC SPEAKER - Plenary EDUCATION: BA (Hons) Caribbean & Latin American Studies – UWI PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Diploma in Hemispheric Security - Inter American Defence College (USA) CAREER: Barbados Defence Force (Ret’d)-Commanding Officer, Barbados Regiment, Regional Security System(RSS)-Director Operations & Training, Patriot Security Services Limited-Managing Director (Present), Guardsman (Barbados) Limited – General Manager MR. PEDRO EASTMOND CAREER: Immigration Office, Crown Counsel, Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Clerk of Parliament.
5 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA MRS. SHERNETTE WOLFE Plenary EDUCATION: University of St. Mary’s, Queens Clark Atlanta University PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: BA, BED, MLS CAREER: Current- Clerk of the House of Assembly- Bermuda Previous – Head of Library- Information Services at Cedar Bridge Academy- Bermuda Foreign Language - Teacher BERMUDA HON.
RANDOLPH HORTON JP, MP Speaker - Plenary EDUCATION: BA in Economics – Rurhers University N.J (1972) MA of Education – Rugters University N.J (1974) Doctoral Studies in Leadership Policy Management – George Washington University (1981-1984) Teachers Certificate – Culham College Oxfordshire (1996) PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Certificate for Executive Leadership – Cornell University 2011 CAREER: Elected in Hamilton West Constituency (1998), Minister of Community Affairs & Sport (2000-2003), Elected in Southampton West (2003), Minister of Labor, Home Affairs and Public Safety (2003-2006), Minister of Environment (2006), Re-Elected in Southampton (2007), Minister of Education (2007-2008), Chairman-Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on the “Causes of Violent Crime & Gun Violence in Bermuda” (2010), Elected Deputy Speaker of House (2011), Re-Elected in Southampton West (2012), Elected Speaker of House (2013).
HON.

KIM WILKERSON, JP Plenary EDUCATION: St. Johns University (NY, USA), University of Buckingham (UK) PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Graduate Diploma Law, CPCU, Associate Chartered Institute of Arbitrators 6 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS HON.
INGRID A. MOSES-SCATLIFFE, MHA Speaker - Plenary EDUCATION: (2007-2008) – City University London, England Inns of Court School of Law LLM – Credit (2005-2006) – City University, London England Inns of Court School of Law, Bar Vocational Course, Post Graduate Diploma (2003-2005) – University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK LLB (Hons) Degree (1991-1994) Saint Augustine’s College, Raliegh, North Carolina, USA BSc.
Computer Informations Systems Degree PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Attorney At Law CAREER: (2011-Present) Speaker, House of Assembly (2009-Present) Partner, Travers Thorp Alberga (2007-2009) Chief Registrar of Lands, Land Registry Department (Sept –Dec, 2006) Pupillage, Harnery West wood; Riegels LLP (Summer 2005) Pupillage, O’Neal Webster O’Neal Barristers & Solicitors Tortola (Summer 2004) Project Manager, Registry of Corporate Affairs, Financial Services Commissions, Tortola (1998-2003) Head of Operations, Barclays Bank PLC, Tortola (1995-1998) Manager’s Assistant Information Technology, Barclays (1994–1995) Management Development Trainee, Barclays Bank PLC, Tortola (1986-1990) Junior Supervisor, Corporate Department, Barclays Bank PLC, Tortola HON.
MARLON PENN Observer EDUCATION: (2001-2004) – Temple University, Philadelphia, BBA in Management Information Systems PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: IT Professional CAREER: (Dec 2015 – Present) – Junior Minister for Trade and Investment Promotion and Member for the Eighth District (2011-Nov 2015) – Government Backbencher Member for the Eighth District (2005-2011) – Technology Development Manager, BVI Financial Services Commission Tortola (1997-2005) – Systems Analyst – BVI Financial Services Commission Tortola (1995-1997) – Computer Technician – Information Systems Unit, Government of the Virgin Islands HON.
ALVERA MADURO-CAINES, MHA Plenary EDUCATION: (1977-1979) – Gary Training Center, Texas, United States of America (1971-1976) – B.V.I.

High School, Tortola PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: N/A CAREER: (2011- Present) – Government Backbencher Member for Sixth District (2004-2011) Assistant Post Mistress, Government of the British Virgin Islands (1999-2004) – Office Manager/Supervisor of Operations Citco B.V.I.

Limited, Tortola (1992-1999) – Legal Secretary, Citco B.V.I.
Limited, Tortola (1987-1992) – Office Manager /Human Resources, Tortola (1980-1985) – Accounts Clerk, Devcon International, St. Thomas (1979-1980) – Registry Clerk, Government of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola HON.
MELVIN TURNBULL, MHA Plenary EDUCATION: (2002) – Florida Memorial University, Miami, Florida, Bachelor in Business Administration PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Financial Manager CAREER: (2015-Present) – Member of the 3rd House of Assembly (2013-Present) – Vice President/Director- The Hope Foundation (BVI) (2006-2013) – Manager and Financial Consultant, MWM Financial Services Group Limited, Tortola, BVI (2002-2005) – Associates SALES Manager – AIG/American General Life and Accident Insurance Company, Hollywood, FL.
MS. LORNA CHOUCOUTOU Observer EDUCATION: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Tortola Associates of Science Degree in Business Administration - Marketing PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: N/A CAREER: (2016 –Present) Personal Assistance to the Speaker, (2011-2015) Office Assistance, (2005-2011) Ag.

Philatelic Bureau Supervisor, (1987-20050 Philatelic Officer, (1985-1987) Inventory Clerk 7 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA MR. KENNETH BRYAN, MLA Plenary HON.
JULIANA O’CONNOR CONNOLLY, JP, MLA Plenary EDUCATION: Cayman Islands Law School, University of St. Leo BA (Hons) University of Liverpool LLB PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Teacher/Attorney At Law CAREER: Teacher, Accounts Assistant, Attorney-at- Law CAYMAN ISLANDS HON.

W. MCKEEVA BUSH, O.B.E.
JP, MLA Speaker EDUCATION: Cayman Islands High School PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) CAREER: (2003-2005) – First Constitutional Leader of Government Business (2005-2009) – Leader of the Opposition (2009-2012) – Premier-Cayman Island First Premier; Minister of Finance, Tourism and Development (2013-2017) Leader of the Opposition (May 2017-Present) Speaker MS. BARBARA CONOLLY, MLA Plenary EDUCATION: Registered Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: N/A CAREER: Worked in the Financial Services Industry, Currently employed at Alexandria Bancorp Limited as the Manager of Fiduciary Services, Became a member of the People’s progressive Movement (The Progressive) in 2002, Worked with former Leader of Government Business, Hon.
D Kurt Tibbetts, OBE, JP from 2005 to 2009 Later became the General Secretary of the Party from 2013 to 2017 8 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA DOMINICA GUYANA HON.

ALIX BOYD KNIGHTS Speaker EDUCATION: University PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Lawyer LLB Hons CAREER: Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon.

Annette Ferguson, CWP, M.P.


Plenary Minister within the Ministry of Infrastructure EDUCATION: University of Guyana PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Degree CAREER: Human Resource Specialist MR. DANIEL JAMES Plenary, Clerk of the House of Parliament/ Branch Secretary MS. KESHANNA MURLEDHAR Plenary EDUCATION: University PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Degree in Public Management CAREER: Assistant Clerk of Committees HON.
PAULINE SUKHAI EDUCATION: University PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Bsc Economics, Post Graduate Diploma II in Development Studies CAREER: Politician or Legislator 9 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA HON DWAYNE VAZ Plenary EDUCATION: New Orleans & University of the West Indies PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: BSE in Hotel Management 7 MBA – Business Administration CAREER: Managing Director – Flexi Financing & Consultancy Agency – Estelar Global Services SEN. KERENSIA MORRISON EDUCATION: University of the West Indies PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Literatures in English CAREER: Teacher, Writer, Spokes Person & M.P Caretaker & Councilor Caretaker MONTSERRAT HON.
SHIRLEY OSBORNE Speaker - Plenary EDUCATION: Simmon College PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: MBA CAREER: Montserrat Tourist Board; ADP (US) The Girl’s Education Project (US & MINI) Montserrat Legislative Assembly MRS. PAULINE CAMPBELL-SUKHAI, M.P.

Opposition Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs JAMAICA HON PEARNEL CHARLES SPEAKER-Plenary EDUCATION: Trade University PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: B.A.
Political Science CAREER: Parliamentarian MRS. HEATHER COOKE Regional Branch Secretary-Plenary EDUCATION: Norman Manley Law School PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Certificate in Legal Education CAREER: Clerk to the Houses 10 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA MYRA WILLLIAMS Plenary EDUCATION: University HON.

DR. INGRID BUFFONGE Delegate EDUCATION: UWI, CGM-UK PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: BSc MBBS MCGM CAREER: Medical Doctor NEVIS HON.
FARREL SMITHEN Speaker President of the Nevis Island Assembly Plenary HON.

HAZEL BRANDY WILLIAMS CWP EDUCATION: University of Glasgow PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: MSc CAREER: Minister of Government HON.

PREMIER VANCE AMORY Plenary PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: BA (UWI), MBA (UVI) ST. CHRISTOPHER & NEVIS HON.
ANTHONY MICHAEL PERKINS Speaker - Conference Chairman EDUCATION: BSC Civil Engineering (FAMU/FSU, Florida, USA) MBA General Management – Metropolitan College of New York PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Parliamentary Procedures/Systems; Politics; Civil and Human Right; Sports; International Affairs CAREER: Primary School Teacher, High School Teacher of General Science, Mathematics, Physics and Accounts, Civil Engineer/Director of Public Works, Projects Manager for Government, In 2001, Elected Representative for St Paul, Nevis (Minister of Communications, Works, Public Utilities, Post, Infrastructural Development, Physical Planning and Environment, Senator in the National Assembly from 2000-2010; Consultant to Government; In 2015, Elected Deputy Speaker to the Federal Parliament; Elected Speaker of National Assembly in June 2015 11 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA HON.
SHAWN RICHARDS Plenary EDUCATION: U.V.I-BA CSU-Masters PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: CPA Certified Public Accountant HON.

SEN. AKILAH BYRON-NISBETT Plenary Education: University of South Florida Quinnipiac University Professional Qualification: BSc Management Information Systems MSc Computer Information System Career: IT Manager, Senator/Deputy Speaker HON.

LINDSAY GRANT EDUCATION: University of the West Indies, Harvard University PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Barrister and Solicitor HON.
SEN. WENDY PHIPPS Plenary EDUCATION: University of the West Indies ; University of Georgia PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Management Consultant CAREER: Classical Literature, SME Advocacy, Outreach to the Elderly 12 HON MARCELLA LIBURD Plenary EDUCATION: University of the West Indies PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Lawyer: LLB, LEC CAREER: Meeting people, health and fitness HON.
PATRICE NISBETT Plenary EDUCATION: University of the West Indies PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Lawyer; - LLB, LEC CAREER: Law 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA SENATOR NIGEL CARTY Plenary EDUCATION: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Msc Computer Science CAREER: Good governance; impartiality HON.

KONRIS MAYNARD Plenary EDUCATION: University of Waterloo PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: MEng RT.

HON.
DR DENZIL DOUGLAS Plenary EDUCATION: University of the West Indies PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Medical Doctor - MBBS MS. SONIA BODDIE Conference Coordinator EDUCATION: Universidad Internacional, Mexico, University of Birmingham, UK PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: MSc Public Administration, Merit BSc International Relations, (Honours) CAREER: CURRENT: Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly/ Foreign Service Officer FORMER: Senior Tax Inspector TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO HON NIGEL DE FREITAS Plenary EDUCATION: University of Guelph-Guelph, Ontario PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: M.Sc.
Aquaculture, B. SC (Hon) Marine Biology CAREER: Vice President of the Senate, Marine Resources and Fisheries Specialist (Director), Aquaculture Development Office (Management), Aquatic Biologist 13 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA HON.
GLENDA JENNINGS-SMITH Plenary EDUCATION: University of Cambridge, U.K and University of the West Indies PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Master’s degree in Applied Criminology and Police Management and BA in Public Admiration and Social Work CAREER: Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Assistant Commissioner of Police JULIEN OGILVIE Plenary MRS. SHARON COMBIE Observer EDUCATION: University PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: BSc Management Studies CAREER: Public Servant HON VIDIA GAYADEEN-GOPEESINGH Plenary EDUCATION: Anglia Ruskin University, Hugh Wooding Law School, University of London, University of West Indies PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: MBA-Masters in Business Administration, LEC, LLB-Bachelor of Law, BSc.
Agricultural Economics CAREER: Member of Parliament SOPHIA COOPER Observer EDUCATION: University PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: BA Media and Communication, MA Photography HON.
DR. DHANAYSHAR MAHABIR Plenary EDUCATION: Mc Gill University; University of the West Indies PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: PhD and MA in Economics, B. Sc in Economics (UWI) CAREER: Independent Senator, Economist, Educator, Adviser to public and private financial institutions 14 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA MRS. TRACY PARKER Plenary EDUCATION: University PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: CAREER: Personal Secretary – Attorney General’s Chambers, Administrative Officer – Legislative Council, House of Assembly, Deputy Clerk – Consultative Forum/Interim Administrative 2012 – Present – Clerk to House of Assembly TURKS & CAICOS HON DWAYNE TAYLOR Speaker - Plenary EDUCATION: High School (Dip), College (Theology) PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Trained Police Officer, Certified CAREER: (Domestic Violence) Career; Compliance: Banking & Social Security Scheme & Money Laundering Former Elected MHA Deputy Speaker HON DEREK TAYLOR OBE Plenary EDUCATION: Turks & Caicos High School PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Career Civil Servant Training Caribbean & UK CAREER: Eighteen years in the civil service , Twenty four years in the House of Assembly, Eight years as Chief Minister 15 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA OBSERVERS BRITISH ISLES (SCOTLAND) AFRICA HON.
EMILIA LIFAKA MONJOWA African Region (Cameroon) - Observer EDUCATION: Advance Levels Certificate from St. Paul’s Higher Technical College Bonjongo-Cameroon PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION: Diploma in Administrative Management (Sponsored by USAID) from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, United States of America, Diploma in Secretariat and Business Studies (Sponsored by the Institute of Agronomic Research) from the Crown Secretariat and Business Studies Kings College, London University of Anglia Ruskin, United Kingdom Ongoing MBA in Human Resource Management, CAREER: (2002 – Present) – Member of Parliament, National Assembly (2009 – Present) – Deputy Speaker, National Assembly (2007 – 2009) – Deputy Group Leader CODM Parliamentary Group (Majority) National Assembly (2002 – 2007) – Member of the Budget and Finance Committee of the National Assembly (2007 till date) – Member of the Constitutional Laws Committee of the National Assembly (2008 till date) – Member of the Executive Committee of Good Governance National Assembly (2002 till date) – Member of the Executive Committee of Good Governance National Assembly (2007 – 2014) – Member of the National Decentralization Council (Representative the National Assembly) (2007 till date) – Leader and Coordinator of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association International Activities (CPA) National Assembly (1998 -2002) – Chief of Centre Intensive Vocational Training Centre for office Employees under the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training Buea – Cameron (1994 -1998) – Chief of Service in charge of personal Institute of Agronomic Research (IRAD) Ekona Centre – Cameroon.
(1986 – 1994) – Administrative Assistant in Roots and Tubers Crop Research MR. KENNETH GIBSON Observer CANADA HON.
NILS CLARKE Speaker - Observer 16 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians 11th Annual Meeting and Conference at the 42nd Conference Of The Caribbean, The Americas and The Atlantic Region Branch Of The CPA St. Christopher & Nevis June 16 – 24, 2017 Programme for Friday, June 16th - Sunday, June 18th , 2017 Friday, June 16th 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. CWP pre-conference Dinner meeting and check-in – Introduction of CWP Conference Theme: Next Steps in Strategising for Women’s Leadership in the Caribbean Political Space Saturday, June 17th CWP STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING 9:30 – 12:30 a.m. Review and reporting in of working Groups established in Bahamas in July 2016 Next Steps in Strategising for Women’s Leadership in the Caribbean Political Space 12:30 – 2:00 a.m.
Lunch 11TH COMMONWEALTH WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS CONFERENCE 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Opening Remarks (MC) Keynote Address CWP Chair’s Address 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Discussions on the Addresses 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Planning Session 7:00 p.m. Dinner Sunday, June 18th 9:00 – 9:15 a.m.

Arrival of Members and Opening of Day’s agenda 9:15 – 10:00 a.m. Report on the CWP Steering Committee Meeting of July 17th 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Address and discussion 11:00 – 11:15 a.m. Coffee Break 11:15 – 12:00 p.m.
Address and discussion 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Wrap up 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Official Close of 10 th CWP Conference and acknowledgments 42nd Conference Of The Caribbean, The Americas And The Atlantic Region Branch Of The CPA at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort Royal Ballroom, Frigate Bay, St. Kitts & Nevis June 16 – 24, 2017 Programme for Sunday, June 18th - Sunday, June 24th, 2017 Sunday 18th June, 2017 2:30 p.m – 3:30 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting Monday 19th June, 2017 9:00 a.m – 10:15 a.m.
Opening Ceremony 9:00 a.m – 10:15 a.m. Official Photograph SESSION 1 10:30 p.m–12:00 p.m. Topic: “The importance of engendering positive perceptions of Parliaments and Parliamentarians.” Presenters: Hon.

Shirley Osborne (Speaker) – Montserrat Hon.


Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic – Barbados Delegate from Antigua and Barbuda or The Bahamas SESSION 2 1:30 p.m – 3:00 p.m. Topic: “Establishing the parameters of a respectful and productive relationship SESSION 3 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. between Parliament and the Media.” Presenters: Hon.

Pearnel Charles (Speaker) – Jamaica Hon.

Shawn Richards – St. Kitts and Nevis Delegate from Guyana - Hon.
Annette Furguson Topic: “Enhancing Caribbean Parliamentary Democracy via public and media participation” Presenters: Hon.

Dr. Dhanayshar Mahabir- Trinidad and Tobago Hon.

Randy Horton (Speaker) – Bermuda Hon.

Dwayne Taylor (Speaker) - Turks and Caicos 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Departure from Hotel at 6.30 pm Reception hosted by the Governor General of St. Christopher and Nevis, His Excellency, Sir S.W.

Tapley Seaton, GCMG, CVO, QC, JP, at Government House, Springfield, Basseterre.
Tuesday 20th June, 2017 SESSION 4 9:00 a.m–10:30 a.m. Topic: “Social Media: Its potential to complement or undermine the democracy process.” Presenters: Hon.

Senator Akilah Byron-Nisbett- St. Kitts and Nevis Hon.

Mark Brantley – Nevis Island Administration Mr. Azard Gumbs- President of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament SESSION 5 10:45 a.m.–12:00pm Topic: “The need for parliamentary independence.” Presenters: Hon.

Alix Boyd-Knights (Speaker) - Dominica Hon.


Ingrid Moses –Scatliffe (Speaker) British Virgin Islands Hon.

Juliana O’Connor Connolly- Cayman Islands 2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Trip to Nevis Wednesday 21st June, 2017 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Annual General Meeting 1:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Hot Topics Forums Topic: “Seeking to Increase Women’s Political Participation- Part II.” 1:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Hot Topics Forums Topic: “Seeking to Increase Women’s Political Participation- Part II.” 7:00 p.m–10:00 p.m. Departure from the hotel 6:30 p.m. Dinner hosted by His Honour the Speaker A. Michael Perkins at the Carambola Beach Club, Friars Bay, South East Peninsula.

Thursday 22nd June, 2017 8:45 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Tour Day (Departure from the hotel 8:30 am) Visit to Caribelle Batik, Brimstone Hill Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Boat ride to Basseterre, Shopping and tour time in capital city Basseterre.
8:00 p.m – Until The first night of St. Kitts Music Festival Delegates interested in participating are free to purchase tickets to attend and transportation will be provided to take delegates to and from the venue, at a time to be determined.

The festival usually begins at 8pm and ends at around 3am.

More info on the festival can be found at http://www.
stkittsmusicfestival.net/ Regular tickets can be purchased at https://www.stkittsmusicfestival.net/tickets.asp and VIP tickets for a more luxurious experience can be purchased at https://www.stkittsmusicfestival.net/ viptickets.asp Friday 23rd June, 2017 9:00 a.m – 12:00p.m Regional Youth Parliament Topic: “The Protection of Migrant Workers and their Families” Saturday 24th June, 2017 All Day Departures About The National Assembly of St. Christopher and Nevis History The first sitting of the National Assembly/Parliament of St. Christopher and Nevis was in 1960 Procedure Parliamentary procedure in the National Assembly is dictated by a number of legal instruments being the Constitution, the National Assembly Elections Act, Cap 2.01 and the National Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act, Cap.
2.04.

The Standing Orders of the National Assembly provide the most specific rules of parliament including rules on time and manner of speaking during a debate, notice requirements, powers of the Speaker, parliamentary committees and the order of how the business of Parliament should be conducted.

The Standing Orders are the fourth schedule of the National Assembly Elections Act.
20 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA HOW A BILL IS PASSED A bill is a proposal for a new law or a proposal to amend an existing law.

A bill has to be debated in parliament and must go through “three readings” before it is passed.

Essentially, when it is said that a bill is read, it means that the long title of the Bill is read into the parliament record.
At the appropriate times during a parliament sitting, the Clerk or Deputy Clerk of Parliament will read the long title out loud three times during one or more sittings of parliament.

Each reading represents a different stage in the passage of the bill.

FIRST READING First reading means that the Bill has now been introduced to the public and should be available for public scrutiny.

Debate on the contents or purpose of the Bill follows.
That debate may take place in the same sitting or it may occur at a subsequent sitting within a particular session of parliament.

However, according to Standing Order 57, generally bills should not pass through more than two readings in any one sitting but this can be done if the mover of the bill obtains the approval of Parliament to formally suspend that Standing Order prior to reading the Bill a third time.

SECOND READING The Bill is read a second time when the debate between the parliamentarians ends.
After the second reading, the House goes into “Committee stage” where all parliamentarians (referred to as a Committee of the whole) or a select few (a Select Committee) consider the Bill clause by clause and any proposed amendments are discussed and voted on.

Thereafter, the mover of the Bill i.e.

the parliamentarian who proposed the Bill reports to the Parliament whether any changes have been made.
THIRD READING On completion of the second reading, the approval of Parliament is sought to have the Bill read a third time and passed.

Thereafter the Bill is sent to the Governor General for his assent and published in the Gazette.

Having passed through all these stages, the Bill would now be referred to as an Act and comes into effect as law on the date published or on a specific date prescribed by the Minister.
The Speaker of the National Assembly is elected by the mem- bers and is the presiding officer of Parliament.

He decides all questions of procedure and order with complete impartiality and protects the privilege of freedom of speech by ensuring that all members, regardless of party affiliation, are given a fair opportunity to speak and express their views.

The Speaker may or may not be an elected member of the Na- tional Assembly.
The current speaker of the National Assembly of Saint Kitts and Nevis is Michael Perkins.
ANTHONY MICHAEL PERKINS Conference Chairman 21 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA National Bird of St. Christopher and Nevis - The Brown Pelican ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Special thanks is extended to members of the Conference 42 organizing committee, conference staff, protocol officers, drivers, security and all other persons who contributed in some way to making this Conference a success.
National Flower of St. Christopher and Nevis - The Poinciana 22 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE AMERICAS AND THE ATLANTIC REGION BRANCH OF THE CPA ABOUT THE FEDERATION OF ST. CHRISTOPHER AND NEVIS The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis also known as the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, is a two-island country in the West Indies.

Located in the Leeward Islands chain of the Lesser Antilles, it is the smallest sovereign state in the Western Hemisphere, in both area and population.
The country is a Commonwealth realm, with the British monarch, who is currently Queen Elizabeth II, as head of state.

The capital city is Basseterre on the larger island of Saint Christopher.

The smaller island of Nevis lies approximately 3 km (2 mi) southeast of Saint Kitts across a shallow channel called “The Narrows”.

The British dependency of Anguilla was historically also a part of this union, which was then known collectively as Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla.
To the north-northwest lie the islands of Sint Eustatius, and Saba (the Netherlands), Saint Barthélemy, Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten and Anguilla.

To the east and northeast are Antigua and Barbuda, and to the southeast is the small uninhabited island of Redonda, and the island of Montserrat, which currently has an active volcano.

Saint Kitts and Nevis were among the first islands in the Caribbean to be settled by Europeans.
^ 0.752 high · 77th Saint Christopher was home to the first British and French colonies in the Caribbean, and hence has also been titled “The Mother Colony of the West Indies”.
Legislature: Independence: National Assembly • Associated State 27 February 1967 • From the United Kingdom 19 September 1983 GDP (PPP): • Total - $1.458 billion • Per capita - $25,913 GDP (Nominal): • Total - $945 million • Per capita - $16,793 HDI: Area: • Total - 261 km2 (101 sq mi) (207th) • Water (%) - Negligible Population: • 2015 estimate - 54,961 (209th) • 2001 census - 46,325 • Density - 164/km2 (424.8/sq mi) (64th) Currency: East Caribbean dollar (ECD) St. Christopher and Nevis National Assembly Government Headquarters, Church Street Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis Tel: 1 (869) 467 1159 | Email: sknparliament@gov.kn | Fax: 1 (869) 465-5040