By Shanice Gibbs and Markelia Rumble

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Juliet Holness has been appointed to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s (CPA’s) International Executive Committee, as a representative for the Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Region. 

The appointment took effect on October 12, following the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held in Barbados.

Mrs. Holness led a delegation to the conference.

Speaking in the Parliament yesterday, Deputy Leader of Government Business, Robert Morgan lauded Mrs. Holness’ appointment, noting that it places Jamaica at the heart of the CPA’s global leadership for the next three years. 

The House Speaker joins a select group of parliamentarians responsible for shaping policy and advancing parliamentary democracy across more than 180 national and sub-national legislatures worldwide. 

Meantime, House Speaker Juliet Holness expressed appreciation and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the principles of parliamentary democracy across the commonwealth.

She added that this appointment is historical for the Jamaican Parliament. 

As Regional Representative, Mrs. Holness will also join the CAA regional executive committee to promote good governance, strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation, represent CPA values and encourage member participation in CPA activities.

The CPA network extends to over 17,000 parliamentarians across nine regions, offering opportunities for collaboration on issues of mutual interest and sharing good practices.