Delegates from the Parliament of the Cayman Islands and the Youth Parliament attended the 47th Conference of the Caribbean, the Americas, and the Atlantic Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA-CAA), held from 5th to 13th September 2025, in Nassau, Bahamas. Hosted by the Bahamas Branch of the CPA, this year’s conference welcomed over 80 delegates from across the Region.

The Cayman Islands delegation consisted of: Speaker, Hon. D. Ezzard Miller; Minister of Health, Environment & Sustainability, Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks; Deputy Speaker, Hon. Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden; Parliamentary Secretary, Ms. Heather Bodden; Opposition Member, Mr. Roy Tatum; Assistant Clerk and Delegation Secretary, Ms. Nordra Walcott; and Youth Parliamentarians Messrs. Raldayne Thomas and Jordan McDonald.

Under the theme “Deepening of Regional Democracy – An Independent Parliament,” the conference also focused on pressing issues facing the wider region, such as gender sensitive legislation, financing parliament and budgetary restraints, and climate change. The Caymanian delegates actively engaged in numerous sessions addressing topics like: empowering women in politics, the separation of powers, and budgetary restraints in financing Parliament.

Speaker, Hon. D. Ezzard Miller, presented on the topic “The Separation of Powers – An Independent Parliament.” “I have had the privilege of attending several CPA-CAA conferences over the years, and this most recent was the most stimulating and inspiring. The Cayman team worked exceptionally well together; all participants attended all sessions and offered each other support during the conference. It was truly a joy to attend, participate and lead the Cayman team.”

In addition to the main conference, the 15th CAA Regional Conference for Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) took place. The Women Parliamentarians were welcomed by the Bahamas Minister of Labour and Public Service and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal. Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks presented during the session “Empowering Women in Politics: Strategies for Establishing an All-Women’s Caucus and Engaging Non-Elected Women Leaders”. Additional topics discussed included biases faced by female politicians and strategies to get more women involved in governance. She stated that “The Conference highlighted the importance of unity across our Region. From meaningful discussions on women’s political leadership to the outstanding contributions of the Youth Parliamentarians, it was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. Particularly important for me was leaving with an action plan for the region and the Cayman Islands now having a seat at the table on the newly established Steering Committee for Regional Recovery, Resilience and Climate Change.”

“Attending my first CPA Conference allowed me to build regional relationships, exchange ideas, and strengthen my role as a new Member of Parliament”, stated Mr. Roy Tatum. Hon. McGaw-Lumsden echoed Mr. Tatum’s sentiments and added, “I am honoured to be part of this delegation and remain committed to learning, growing, and contributing my insights wherever they are needed.” Ms. Heather Bodden added that “It was an inspiring week where much was given to consider. The experience has expanded our horizons, and now we embrace new opportunities.”

Additionally, the Cayman Islands Youth Parliament Deputy Premier, Mr. Jordan McDonald, and Youth Parliament Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Raldayne Thomas, participated in the 18th CPA-CAA Youth Parliament. This year’s Regional YP debate resolves that “this Regional Youth Parliament wishes to make recommendations to CARICOM on ways it can get leaders of industrialised nations to reduce carbon footprint.”

Both Jordan McDonald and Raldayne Thomas expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to represent the Cayman Islands as Youth Parliamentarians and further stated that connecting with other young leaders left them inspired and hopeful about the future of the region.

Ms. Nordra Walcott stated, “Attending CPA conferences is always a privilege, but I was especially proud of our Youth Parliamentarians and the outstanding way they represented the Cayman Islands.”

The Parliament’s participation in the 47th CPA-CAA reaffirms its commitment to fostering collaboration within the global parliamentary community and to advancing best practices that strengthen governance and deliver lasting benefits for the people of the Cayman Islands.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an international community of 180 Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance. Founded in 1911, the CPA brings together Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. It offers a vast opportunity for Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to collaborate on issues of mutual interest and to share good practice.

The Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic (CAA) Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association includes 19 Legislatures, including national Parliaments and subnational and territorial Legislatures. The CPA Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Regional Secretariat is currently based in the Guyana Parliament. Find out more about the CPA Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Region by visiting: https://www.cpahq.org/where-we-work/caa-region/

Image:
Back to Front Row Left to Right: Mrs. Nordra Walcott, Hon. Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden, Mr. Roy Tatum, Hon. Katherine
Ebanks-Wilks, Youth Parliament Leader of the Opposition Mr. Raldayne Thomas, the Speaker, Hon. D. Ezzard Miller,
Mrs. Heather Bodden, and Youth Parliament Deputy Premier, Mr. Jordan McDonald.

Press Contact:
Leah Archibold, Communications Specialist
Parliament of the Cayman Islands
D. +1 (345) 649-5614 | E. [email protected] |W: parliament.ky