As a delegation from the CPA‘s International Headquarters paid a visit, the assessment was conducted momentarily. The delegates met with highly important national stakeholders as well as members of Parliament and parliamentary staff. The exercise forms part of the CPA’s Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures, which is a design made within a frame to guide Commonwealth legislatures towards stronger democratic practices and also effective parliamentary oversight.
Previously in 2019, Saint Lucia undertook CPA benchmarks as well. The latest exercise provided the country’s parliament with the opportunity to reassess its procedures and practices under the newly updated standards. Saint Lucia ended up becoming the 45th legislature to participate in this process, as a total of 44 other legislatures had previously completed almost similar assessments throughout the Commonwealth.
The Parliament of Saint Lucia operates as a bicameral legislature consisting of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Assembly. The Senate is made up of 11 appointed members selected by the governor-general. Six senators are appointed on the advice of the prime minister, three on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and two are appointed independently by the governor-general.
Alvina Reynolds, the President of the Senate, talked highly of the importance of the maintenance of strong democratic institutions. She continued on to mention that participating in these assessments shows Saint Lucia’s commitment when it comes to upholding high standards regarding accountability and integrity as well as transparency all the while continuing to serve the public.
Chantel La Roche and Jack Hardcastle, who are Good Governance Project Leads at the CPA Headquarters, led the assessment during their visit. The delegation also met with several more senior political leaders and parliamentary officials, which included the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and also the Clerk of Parliament, Esmalene Cox-Jn. Louis.
The representatives from the Electoral Commission, the Attorney-General’s Office, the Auditor-General’s department and members of Saint Lucia’s civil society organisations and media held discussions with the delegates from CPA as well. These dialogues contributed to obtaining a much more comprehensive overview of how the country functions in its parliamentary systems and how it can be strengthened even further.
According to Stephan Twigg, who is the secretary-general, when it comes to good governance, strong parliaments are almost like a vital foundation. He explained that this self-assessment process allows the legislatures to carefully analyse their own procedures as well as practices, which ends up enabling them to improve and also increase their trust within the public.
Following on with the visit, the CPA will produce an outcomes report that will contain recommendations aimed mainly at strengthening parliamentary institutions and supporting democratic reform in Saint Lucia. The report will also continue on to contribute to the country’s ongoing efforts when it comes to supporting global development priorities, which includes the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provided funding to support the self-assessment initiative. Such assessments are usually followed by technical assistance programs that may include professional training for parliamentary staff, updates to legislative procedures, and the development of long-term strategic plans designed to enhance parliamentary effectiveness across the Commonwealth.
Through it all, one can clearly identify that this initiative marks an important step when it comes to strengthening democratic institutions throughout Saint Lucia. Through ongoing collaboration with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the country’s aim is to increase and enhance transparency, accountability and effectiveness in its parliamentary system.
