Hon. Brown to Participate in International Seminar on Good Governance

Parliamentary Representative for the Morne Jaune/Riviere Cyrique Constituency, Honorable Abraham Browne, left the state earlier today to represent the local branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association at the International Parliamentary Governance Seminar to be held in Westminster, Brussels, and Edinburgh from 9 – 21 November 2009.

This year’ seminar will focus on the principles of parliamentary democracy and good governance upheld by the Commonwealth and aspired to by member countries. It will be colleagues from parliaments across the Commonwealth and beyond, an opportunity to share their experiences of implementing good governance as a framework for social, economic and democratic development, the reduction of poverty and addressing the challenges of climate change.

Designed to contribute to a greater understanding of the principles of governance, within the context of the Westminster parliamentary system, the seminar will create opportunities for delegates to discuss a wide range of topics. These include models of governance, the role of parliament in holding the executive to account, parliamentary committees, the role of the opposition, the Scrutiny of parliament, the role of media, freedom of information and ethics, integrity in public life, ensuring broad and open participation in the democratic process, working with the private sector, supranational governance, international relations and cooperation, engaging young people, addressing climate change, devolved and local government, the implementation of national policy at local level and the role and responsibilities of a member of parliament at constituency level.