Acting Secretary General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Mr Joe Omorodion has declared that promoting democracy is essential to each of the states in the association and urged countries to share their unique ways of fostering it. Photo: VINO

Omorodian flanked by Premier Dr the Hon D. Orlando Smith and Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon Ingrid A. Moses with conference delegates in the back. Photo: VINO

Omorodion was speaking on July 27, 2015 at the opening of the body's 40th Conference of the Caribbean, the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean in the Virgin Islands.

He said this democracy that must be promoted is pivotal to all countries' advancement of sustainable social and economic development.

"Good democracies have the ability to empower citizens to contribute to the foundation of effective policies, express grievances, seek justice and hold leaders to account," he said.

Further, he said strong democratic institutions empower people to press their governments to prioritise national development matters that are equitable and sustainable.

He said the true test of good governance is the ability of a government to protect persons' human rights and deliver their needs in a sustainable and equitable manner.

"Good governance is derived through transparency, accountability, participation and responsiveness to the needs of the poor and the marginalised and underrepresented."

Omorodion told the delegates to the conference that they have much to share in terms of their experiences and their varied unique approaches towards promoting democracy and good governance.

More than 70 Parliamentarians from Member States are in the VI as delegates and observers of the 40th Conference. The Conference provides a forum for parliamentarians to come together to promote knowledge and discuss legislative, economic, social and cultural aspects of Parliamentary democracy specific to Commonwealth countries in the region.

Member States of the CPA include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The 40th Annual Conference included the Eighth Conference of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, the Regional Executive Committee Meeting, Plenary Sessions, the Annual General Meeting and will include the Regional Youth Parliament.