The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, together with the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, is hosting the Advanced Parliamentary Development Residency Programme (Practice & Procedure) for Members of Parliament.
The Advanced Parliamentary Development Residency Course is a five-day programme designed to enable MPs to be better-performing legislators, representatives and scrutineers.
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Senate President Wade Mark told MPs that the programme will teach the tenets of transparency, accountability, adaptability and responsiveness.
He said the course is designed for the new dynamic working environment and changing needs of those they serve.
“In this current era defined by rapid change, global interdependence, technological transformation, and increased public expectations, our role as parliamentarians has never been more pivotal.”
The Senate President said this then makes it imperative for local Parliamentarians to commit to continued development that will build their capacity, enhance their skills and strengthen oversight.
“Our Parliaments constitute the virtual heartbeat of our democracies. This is your opportunity to foster collaboration, mutual support, and to set standards that allow you to not only sharpen your expertise but also foster a valuable network.”
Also speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Head of Programmes for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Lydia Buchanan, is calling on Parliamentarians to prioritise their personal development.
“I’m hoping everyone has come with open minds and is ready to hear from a breadth of experiences from across the Commonwealth. That is often what makes the CPAs’ work vital, when delegates can engage on a one-on-one basis and be in the same room with colleagues from all across the globe.”
The Advanced Parliamentary Development Residency Programme is only open to Members of Parliament who have completed at least the ‘Induction for New Parliamentarians’ online course, with priority places given to those who have completed the CPA Parliamentary Professional Development Certificate.