The Bahamas Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has successfully hosted the 47th CPA Regional Conference of the Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic (CAA) Region on the theme of ‘Deepening of Regional Democracy – An Independent Parliament’.  

The CPA Regional Conference saw over 80 delegates from across the Region participate in the week-long event from 5 to 13 September 2025 in Nassau. The Regional Conference also focused on the pressing issues facing the wider region such as gender sensitive legislation, budgeting and climate change. The Regional Conference was attended by Speakers and Members of Parliament from across the Region and guest delegates and observers from the wider Commonwealth.  

The President of the Senate of The Bahamas, Senator Hon. Julie Lashell Adderley welcomed delegates to the CPA Regional Conference saying: 

“Our Parliamentary system is one of the oldest in the Region. During the course of the Regional Conference, we will discuss matters relating to the Constitution, legislation and the social and economic issues that face us as a Region.” 

The Speaker of the House of Assembly of The Bahamas, Hon. Patricia Deveaux addressed the challenges faced by women Parliamentarians and said: 

“We all face barriers as Parliamentarians, both men and women. From my personal experience, I can attest that female Parliamentarians face unique challenges. However, we have made significant strides with women now leading many of our institutions, including the Offices of Governor-General, the House of Assembly, the Senate and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.” 

The Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Hon. Chester Cooper said during his remarks at the opening ceremony: 

“Nearly three centuries ago, The Bahamas planted the critical seed of parliamentary life. That seed has grown into an institution, has carried us through storms, struggles and trials. Today, at this 47th Regional Conference, we join hands with colleagues of our region.” 

The CPA Chairperson, Hon. Dr Christopher Kalila, MP (Zambia) addressed the theme of the Regional Conference at the Region’s AGM and said: 

“Colleagues, our theme this week – ‘Deepening Regional Democracy – An Independent Parliament’ – is both timely and urgent. Across our Commonwealth family, democracy faces renewed pressures. In some jurisdictions, Parliaments struggle to assert their rightful authority against encroachments from other arms of government. In others, the forces of misinformation, inequality and public distrust erode citizens’ faith in representative institutions. It is in these such moments that we must re-affirm a central CPA value: that an independent Parliament is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy.” 

During their remarks, Caribbean leaders underscored the democratic challenges faced by jurisdictions in the Region and urged delegates to use the topics selected for discussion to take workable solutions and best practice back to their own Parliaments. 

A CPA Secretariat delegation attended the Regional Conference, led by CPA Deputy Secretary-General, Jarvis Matiya. 

Ahead of the Regional Conference, the 15th CAA Regional Conference for Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) took place. Delegates from across the Region were welcomed by The Bahamas Minister of Labour and Public Service, Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle, MP and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal, Hon. Lisa Rahming, MP who discussed the empowerment of women in politics, biases faced by female politicians and strategies to get more women involved in governance.

CPA Gender Lead, Bénite Dibateza presented during the session on ‘Empowering Women in Politics: Strategies for Establishing an All-Women’s Caucus and Engaging Non-Elected Women Leaders’. The presentation was drawn from the CPA Parliamentary Academy Course on 'Effective Women's Parliamentary Caucuses'. Find out more about the CPA Parliamentary Academy here. 

The CWP Conference and the Regional CWP Steering Committee meeting were chaired by the Caribbean Region’s representative on the CWP International Steering Committee, Hon. Rochelle Forde, MP, Speaker of the House of Assembly of St Vincent and the Grenadines.  

The 18th CPA Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Regional Youth Parliament, a Regional Executive Committee and a Region Annual General Meeting also took place during the week. 

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.  

-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.