41st CPA Small Branches Conference in Barbados
Focus on strengthening Parliamentary Independence for the smallest jurisdictions across the Commonwealth at 41st CPA Small Branches Conference
Commonwealth Parliamentarians met at the 41st Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Small Branches Conference from 7 to 8 October 2025 to examine how to shape the future for CPA Small Branches and to strengthen Parliamentary Independence in small jurisdictions.
The conference discussed strategies to meet the unique developmental needs of the CPA’s smallest Legislatures through key thematic workshops that helped to build parliamentary capacity for Members and parliamentary staff while also creating greater opportunities for the sharing of knowledge, parliamentary strengthening and cooperation across the network.
The CPA Small Branches Vice-Chairperson, Deputy Adrian Gabriel (Guernsey) said:
“We gather today as representatives of small jurisdictions from across the Commonwealth — places with unique challenges, diverse cultures and incredible resilience. Though our populations may be modest in number, our commitment to democratic governance, parliamentary excellence and service to our communities is anything but small. However, with these challenges come extraordinary opportunities — to innovate, to lead by example and to collaborate in new ways.
The CPA Small Branches have often been at the forefront of adaptability. With limited resources, we’ve learned how to be creative. With smaller populations, we’ve remained closely connected to the voices of our citizens. And with shared challenges, we’ve strengthened one another through partnership and solidarity. This is a time for vision — to imagine what’s possible when CPA Small Branches are equipped, empowered and connected. Our goal is not just to react to the future — but to help shape it. Let us work together — across oceans and time zones — to build a stronger, more resilient and more inclusive future for all of the Small Branches of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.”
The CPA Small Branches Vice-Chairperson also thanked the CPA Small Branches Chairperson, Hon. Valerie Woods, Speaker of the National Assembly of Belize.
The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg said:
“The 41st CPA Small Branches Conference brings together Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff from the smallest jurisdictions in the Commonwealth to discuss issues relevant to their Legislatures. The smallest of the CPA’s Legislatures have unique challenges and yet are asked to meet the same expectations of service delivery as larger Legislatures, requiring additional support and innovation.”
The CPA Small Branches Conference included four plenary sessions exploring key themes proposed by the Membership:
- Navigating Challenges, Exploring Priorities;
- Public Accounts Committees: Roles, Challenges and Solutions;
- Work-Life Balance and Mental Health for Parliamentarians in CPA Small Branches;
- Human Rights and the Legacy of Colonial Laws.
In the margins of the conference, the CPA Small Branches Steering Committee met to discuss the strategic direction for the network.
The CPA Small Branches Steering Committee comprises the CPA Small Branches Chairperson and nine Commonwealth Parliamentarians who represent the nine Regions of the CPA with Small Branches: Africa; Asia; Australia; British Isles and the Mediterranean; Canada; Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic; India; Pacific; and South-East Asia.
Of the almost 180 Branches of the CPA, fifty Branches are classified as ‘Small Branches’. The classification for CPA Small Branches was changed by the CPA General Assembly in 2022 to raise the population threshold to one million people. Examples of CPA Small Branches include Commonwealth countries such as Malta and Tonga, as well UK Overseas Territories such as Turks and Caicos or states and provinces within larger countries like Northwest Territories in Canada or the Northern Territory in Australia.
The 41st CPA Small Branches Conference took place as part of the wider 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados.
For images from the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference visit the CPA Flickr page where images will be uploaded throughout the week.
One of the largest gatherings of Commonwealth Parliamentarians, the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference will bring together over 500 Parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and decision makers from across the Commonwealth for this unique conference and networking opportunity.
During the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, there will also be a number of additional conferences and meetings including: 41st CPA Small Branches Conference; 9th Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Conference; meetings of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) network; the 2025 CPA General Assembly and meetings of the CPA Executive Committee; and the 59th Society of Clerks at the Table (SOCATT) meetings.
During the conference, a number of elections will also take place for the Chairpersons of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) and the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) network, the CPA Treasurer and the CPA Vice-Chairperson.
The 3rd Lifaka Lecture will also take place as well as the presentations for the 2025 Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Awards.
-ENDS-
Further information about the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) can be found at the 68th CPC Hub.
On social media follow the hashtag #68CPC
Images of the 68th CPC are also available at the CPA's Flickr page.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) organises its annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) to address global political issues and developments in the parliamentary system through conference workshops and sessions for leading Parliamentarians representing Parliaments and Legislatures throughout the Commonwealth.
The CPA is an international community of almost 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance.
For media enquiries, please contact communications@cpahq.org.
