A Commonwealth Parliamentary Association delegation has paid a visit to Sark, meeting members of Chief Pleas to discuss a variety of topics.
The CPA delegation included CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg, Deputy Adrian Gabriel who is the Vice-Chair of the CPA Small Branches network, Sarah Dickson; Regional Secretary for the CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Region, and Simon Ross; Greffier of the States Assembly of Guernsey and CPA Guernsey Branch Secretary.
The visit has resulted in promises of a “constructive and collegial relationship”, with further commitments from Sark to promote the “CPAs values”, in working with the other Crown Dependences.
Founded in 1911, the CPA is a non-profit organisation that aims to foster relationships between politicians, parliamentary staff, and legislators from across the Commonwealth.
It looks to promote democracy, provide networking opportunities and co-operation, support training, and it runs the Small Branches network that focuses specifically on the needs and challenges of jurisdictions with a population of up to one million.
With Chief Pleas comprising 18 Conseillers and members, looking after the laws governing the island’s population of 600 people, Sark falls well within the scope of the CPA’s Small Branches.
The Dark Sky Island most recently held a by-election last month, which turned out to be essentially unnecessary as one candidate dropped out for personal reasons, and one fell foul of eligibility after an administrative error.
That meant that of the original six candidates, only four were vying for the four seats at the time of the vote.
Following the Sark visit, the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg said they’ll be working towards a constructive relationship in the future.
“I was delighted to travel to the island of Sark with a CPA delegation to meet with Members of the Chief Pleas and to hear about their roles on the island as well as the challenges they face as a small jurisdiction. We look forward to a constructive and collegial relationship with the Legislature in the future.”
Speaker of Chief Pleas, Paul Armorgie said Sark will look to promote CPA values whilst working with the Crown Dependencies.
“It was a pleasure to welcome the CPA delegation from the UK and Guernsey. Sark is proud to take up its place as a member of the CPA and to promote the values of the CPA, working in partnership with our Crown Dependency friends and neighbours.”