From left: Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8); Deputy Speaker Hon Karl Dawson (R1); and Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) at the 48th Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic (CAA) Region, in Jamaica. Photo: HoA

The conference convened parliamentarians, presiding officers, clerks, and parliamentary officials from across the region to examine the evolving role of parliaments in an era of rapid technological change, digital transformation, and shifting democratic expectations. Photo: HoA

Deputy Speaker for the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Dr Karl Dawson (R1), shares his insights at the CPA Regional Conference in Jamaica. Photo: HoA

Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) at the 48th Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic (CAA) Region. Photo: HoA

Under the theme “Strengthening Parliaments in the Digital Age,” the conference convened parliamentarians, presiding officers, clerks, and parliamentary officials from across the region to examine the evolving role of parliaments in an era of rapid technological change, digital transformation, and shifting democratic expectations.

Other members of the VI delegation were Deputy Clerk, Linton V. Leonard, and Secretary of the House of Assembly, Shakiara B. Cupid.

The House of Assembly, in a press release today, September 15, 2026, said its active participation in the 48th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Regional Conference reaffirmed its commitment to regional collaboration and institutional innovation.

'Timely & informative'- Hon Dawson

Deputy Speaker Honourable Dawson said, “Attending this year’s CPA Regional Conference was timely and transformative. It highlighted the shared challenges facing parliaments across the region and provided a valuable forum to develop solutions collectively. As we modernise for the digital age, we must uphold accountability, inclusivity, and public trust while strengthening parliamentary democracy for future generations.”

Over five days, delegates participated in high-level discussions on parliamentary modernisation, artificial intelligence governance, inclusivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities, youth participation through the Virtual Regional Youth Parliament, and the empowerment of women in political life through the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Conference.

A standout moment, the HoA said, was the keynote address by Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr the Most Honourable Andrew M. Holness, who underscored the vital role of parliaments in fostering regional cooperation, democratic resilience, and good governance.

Renewed commitment

Deputy Clerk Linton V. Leonard attended the 19th Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference, where sessions focused on capacity building, institutional oversight, budgeting and financing, and inter-parliamentary networking. The insights gained, the press release stated, will inform ongoing efforts to strengthen the administrative and operational effectiveness of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands.

The conference closed with a renewed commitment to collaboration among CPA CAA member jurisdictions, drawing on shared experiences and best practices to build parliamentary institutions that are more resilient, inclusive, and equipped for the demands of the digital era.