The Parliament of Barbados met with a delegation from the CPA to undertake a CPA Democratic Benchmarks self-assessment exercise from 28 to 31 July 2025. 

The CPA’s Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures provide a framework for excellence in Commonwealth parliamentary and legislative practice and, building on the 2006 and 2018 versions of the Benchmarks, were updated in 2025 to create a set of Benchmarks which meet high levels of good governance and robust parliamentary democracy. To date, 41 Commonwealth Legislatures have undertaken self-assessments against the CPA Benchmarks. The Parliament of Barbados is now the 42nd to do so.

As part of their visit, the CPA delegation met with Hon. Reginald R. Farley, President of the Senate of Barbados. They also met with Members of the Barbados House of Assembly and Senate, civil servants and Parliamentary staff. 

Hon. Reginald R. Farley said:

“The Parliament of Barbados welcomes the Benchmarks Assessment Exercise by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). Our small Legislature, consisting of two Houses – The Honourable the House of Assembly and The Honourable the Senate have been in existence since 1639. While we are justly proud of longevity, we are equally eager to meet to be a vibrant and relevant institution in the future development of our society routed in parliamentary democracy."

Hon. Arthur Holder, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Barbados, said ahead of the Benchmarks exercise:

“It is indeed an honour to be part of this momentous occasion where the third oldest Parliament in the Commonwealth is embarking on the exercise of having the CPA conduct a Benchmarks for democratic Legislatures self-assessment.

We have no doubt that this timely exercise will set the framework for enhancing the functionality of this august Chamber and ensuring it is fit for purpose to face the challenges of the 21st Century and beyond. We anticipate that one of the outcomes of this process will be greater citizenry participation, thus strengthening the democratic process." 

The CPA delegation consisted of Matthew Salik, Head of Programmes at the CPA Secretariat and Avni Kondhia, Programmes Manager and Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Network Coordinator.

The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Stephen Twigg, said: 

“Parliaments are ever-evolving institutions, and it is important that the standards by which they are measured against also evolve. These updated CPA Democratic Benchmarks reflect the commitment of the CPA and its Members to promoting good governance, particularly around the constantly changing areas of technology, inclusivity and security.” 

Following the visit to Bridgetown, an Outcome Report from the CPA Benchmarks self-assessment will be generated with Recommendations for democratic reform to strengthen parliamentary institutions in Barbados. The Report will play an important role in developing the effectiveness of the Parliament of Barbados and help contribute towards its continued implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

CPA Benchmarks self-assessments are usually followed by Technical Assistance Programmes which could involve updating the Legislature’s Rules of Procedure, delivering training for Members and parliamentary staff, or developing corporate policies and multi-annual strategic plans.  

Barbados is due to host the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in October 2025. Read more about the Conference here. 

To find out more about this work please email hq.sec@cpahq.org. The CPA’s Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures are also available to download from the CPA website. 

-ENDS- 

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.