SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The President of Parliament, the Hon. Mrs. Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, as well as the Secretary General of Parliament, Mr. G.J. Richardson, participated in the 16th Regional Conference of Women Parliamentarians, the 19th Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference, the 19th Regional Youth Parliament, as well as the Annual General Meeting of the 48th Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association - the Caribbean, the Americas and the Atlantic Region (CPA CAA), that took place from August 31 through September 5, 2026, in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamaica.
The Conferences, hosted by the Houses of Parliament of Jamaica, were held under the theme: Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age.
The Conference of Women Parliamentarians surrounded discussions on using storytelling to strengthen leadership, advocacy, and parliamentary engagement; developing leadership pathways and overcoming barriers for women leaders; and safeguarding Women in public life in this digital age of online harassment and cyberbullying.
The 48th Regional Conference looked at Parliament's role in fostering regional collaboration, conflict prevention and peaceful relations; proper and equitable inclusion of representation with disabilities in this digital age; greater youth involvement in parliamentary processes; a possible regional framework to address AI-related opportunities and challenges; and the Speaker's democratic dilemma.
The Presiding Officers and Clerks Conferences were held separately, but concurrently. The Presiding Officers discussed maintaining parliamentary decorum in the digital age, the effective use of parliamentary rules and procedures; the independence of the parliamentary institution; parliamentary privileges in the digital age; and looking at ways to leverage technology to improve the permanent committees’ effectiveness and oversight.
While the Clerks focused on capacity building and professional development for Clerks and parliamentary staff, they also discussed strengthening accountability and governance through independent agencies such as the Ombudsman, and the General Audit Chamber; financial management and resource allocation for and within parliaments; and looking into expanding collaboration and knowledge-sharing among parliamentary officials.
Although Sint Maarten is not a member of the CPA, during the Annual General Meeting it was approved that going forward the Parliament of Sint Maarten will be invited to participate and engage in all activities organized by the Caribbean, the Americas and the Atlantic Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, as further discussions take place regarding Sint Maarten’s formal participation.
