The Parliament of the Cayman Islands successfully hosted the 5th Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference (COTSC) from 26th to 29th May 2026, bringing together Speakers, Clerks, and OT Representatives from across the Overseas Territories and the United Kingdom to exchange ideas, share experiences, and discuss matters impacting legislatures throughout these regions.

The conference commenced on Tuesday, 27th May, with a welcome reception hosted by Her Excellency the Governor, Mrs. Jane Owen, providing delegates with an opportunity to meet with senior civil servants and members of the business community.

An opening ceremony held at the House of Parliament on Wednesday, 28th May, marked the official commencement of the COTSC. Over the course of the two days, delegates participated in a series of discussions focused on strengthening parliamentary institutions, promoting good governance, and ensuring legislatures remain responsive to the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

Key topics included the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence (AI) within parliamentary environments, governance reform, and the role of parliamentary commissions, supporting the role of parliamentary commissions, supporting effective opposition and democratic accountability, constitutional reform, public confidence in democratic institutions, and maintaining legislative continuity during times of crisis and emergency.

The conference brought together Speakers and Clerks from Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United Kingdom.

On Wednesday evening, delegates attended a dinner hosted by the Honourable D. Ezzard Miller, Speaker of the Parliament of the Cayman Islands, where participants were able to enjoy a relaxed evening and strengthen relationships across jurisdictions.

Conference proceedings concluded on Thursday, 28th May, with a celebration of Caymanian culture, hosted by the Honourable Gary Rutty, Acting Premier, and the Honourable Isaac Rankine, Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage. Delegates enjoyed an evening showcasing the Cayman Islands’ rich heritage through traditional storytelling, local musical performers, cultural displays, and authentic Caymanian cuisine prepared by community cooks. The event provided visitors with a memorable experience of Caymanian hospitality and traditions.

Reflecting on the Conference, Hon. D. Ezzard Miller, Speaker of the Parliament of the Cayman Islands, said “The 5th Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference provides an important forum of parliamentary leaders to discuss issues of common interest, exchange experiences, and learn from one another. As legislatures continue to navigate an evolving environment, opportunities such as these helps strengthen our institutions, reinforce democratic principles, and foster cooperation across the Overseas Territories. It was an honour for the Cayman Islands to host this year’s COST Conference and to welcome our colleagues from across the Territories and the United Kingdom.”

The 5th Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among the Overseas Territories legislatures and provided a valuable forum for sharing experiences, strengthening professional relationships, and exploring approaches to the opportunities facing parliamentary institutions today. The conference forms part of an ongoing commitment among Overseas Territories legislatures to strengthen parliamentary practice, share expertise, and promote effective democratic governance.

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Left to right top to bottom:
Hon. Dennis Lister, JP, MP – Speaker of the House of Assembly, Bermuda; Hon. Corine George-Massicote – Speaker of the House of Assembly, British Virgin Islands; Hon. Judge Karen Ramagge Phillips, GMH, MP – Speaker of the Gibraltar Parliament, Gibraltar; Ms. Nusrat Ghani, MP – Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, United Kingdom; Hon. D. Ezzard Miller – Speaker of the Parliament of the Cayman Islands; Hon. Marjorie Smith – Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Montserrat; Hon. Tara Carter – Speaker of the House of Assembly, Anguilla; Hon. Gordon Burton, MP – Speaker of the House of Assembly, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Dr. Tasha Ebanks Garcia – UK Representative, Cayman Islands; Ms. Kimberley Durrant – UK Represenative, Bermuda; Ms. Tracy Bradshaw – UK Representative, British Virgin Islands; Mr. Clark Somner – Clerk of the House of Assembly, Bermuda; Mrs. Bethsaida Smith-Hanley – Clerk of the House of Assembly, British Virgin Islands; Mr. Phillip Borge McCarthy – Clerk of the Gibraltar Parliament, Gibraltar; Ms. Sarah Davies – Clerk Assistant and Managing Director of the Chamber and Committees Team, House of Commons, United Kingdom; Mrs. Zena Merren-Chin – Clerk & Chief Officer, Parliament of the Cayman Islands; Mrs. Judith Baker – Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Montserrat; Ms. Vanisha Proctor – Clerk of the House of Assembly – Anguilla; Mrs. Tracey Parker – Clerk to the House of Assembly, Turks and Caicos Islands; Ms. Tracy Knight – UK Representative – Turks and Caicos