The smallest self governing Channel Island hosted guests from the larger Crown Dependencies – in a first for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
Having only joined the CPA last year, Sark hosted the Crown Dependencies Network Meeting for the first time with delegates from Alderney, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man travelling to the island for meetings on Thursday and Friday.
The meetings in Sark were built around a theme of ‘Good Electoral Practice: Reflections and Lessons from the 2025/2026 Crown Dependency Elections’.
Paul Armorgie, Speaker of Chief Pleas, said hosting the meeting gave Sark a chance to share its own experiences, and learn how similar jurisdictions respond to similar challenges that each of the islands face.
“It was a pleasure to welcome delegates from across the Crown Dependencies to Sark and to chair a thoughtful and constructive discussion,” he said.
“Sharing experience with colleagues who face similar challenges, whatever the differences in size and structure, is of real value to all of us. I hope the connections made here will continue and strengthen our cooperation in the years ahead.”
Conseiller Natalie Tighe of the CPA Sark Branch said the elections subject was timely with Sark and Alderney polling residents later this month.
Guernsey held its second island wide election last year, with a by-election earlier this year, while Jersey and the Isle of Man both held elections earlier this year.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to organise and take part in the first meeting of this kind on Sark,” said Conseiller Tighe.
“For one of the CPA’s newest and smallest members, hosting our fellow Crown Dependencies was a significant occasion. This was not a social visit. Our jurisdictions are different, but we often face similar challenges, and hearing how others respond is a valuable learning opportunity.
“I am grateful to everyone who helped make the visit such a success, and to our guests for their time and openness.”
The two-day trip saw delegates visit La Société Sercquaise Heritage Rooms and the Chief Pleas Assembly Rooms, where they heard presentations on Sark’s governance, current policy priorities, and the opportunities and challenges facing the island.
Guest Speaker Heidi Soulsby MBE shared reflections on good electoral practice, with mixed-table discussions with colleagues from other jurisdictions, sharing experiences and ideas.
