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Gibraltar delegation attend CPA conference
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A Gibraltar Parliamentary delegation attended the 42nd British Islands & Mediterranean Region conference held this year in Scotland from Sunday 10 to Thursday 14 June. Ministers Charles Bruzon (Leader of delegation) and Paul Balban, Clerk to the Parliament Melvyn Farrell and Opposition members Jaime Netto and Isobel Ellul-Hammond attended this Commonwealth Parliamentary Association annual event.
The theme for the conference was ‘Making Parliaments Relevant’, focusing on how parliaments can reconnect with their constituents during difficult and uncertain times globally such as economic strife in Europe and political transformation in the Middle East. Such challenges impact on governments as well as citizens; this conference was the chance for delegates from this region of the Commonwealth to discuss, share and take back ideas to their citizens on how to strengthen their democracy for the future. Among the countries represented were Malta, Cyprus, St Helena, the Falklands, Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England.
Strengthening relations with these Commonwealth neighbours meant learning from each other in order to find solutions to common problems. During the conference, coincidentally, Minister Bossano was visiting the Falklands for its 30th liberation anniversary and the delegates learned of the Islanders plans for a referendum.
The delegates attended four plenary conference sessions, followed by debate and discussion; these were presented by a wide range of experienced and renowned Parliamentarians and speakers from different parties and walks of life. The topics covered included ‘the Challenge of Preventative Spend’, proactive spending to pre-empt potential cash drains; ‘the Irish Experience’, how the Republic of Ireland is coping after its economic bailout and how they are prioritising; ‘Genuine Change or Business as Usual in Iraq and Afghanistan’, is positive political and social change a possibility and what can be learnt from the Arab Spring; and ‘Using the Media & Social Media’, taking democracy to new audiences and communicating the political message.
The delegation were also given the chance to spend the day in Glasgow to learn of the plans for the 2014 Commonwealth Games to be held there and to visit the nearly completed multiuse Sports Arena, Velodrome and Athletes’ Village. Hot on the heels of the London Olympics, the splendid complex is being built in the neglected East End of Glasgow; this will regenerate the area, allowing for the athletes’ village to be used for social housing, and leaving a legacy of sport and healthy living for all in Glasgow and the UK.
The Scotland Conference was very well organised and the speakers gave fascinating talks which were very stimulating; all the delegates were warmly received and the hospitality was second to none. Lasting contacts and friendships were made, which can only be of benefit to the legislatures represented there, said statement.
20-06-12
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