A delegation from Tynwald has returned from the Falkland Islands after participating in the 43rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) British Isles and Mediterranean Region conference.
CPA Isle of Man branch chairman Juan Watterson MHK and Tony Wild MLC, accompanied by the Clerk of Tynwald Roger Phillips, attended the four-day conference, the theme for which was ‘Self-determination and its role in self-governance and devolution’, where the two members also acted as rapporteurs for two working party groups which will report to the CPA plenary later this year. Mr Watterson’s session explored the challenges of governance in smaller territories and regions, Mr Wild’s the theories of and trends in self-determination.
Guest speakers addressing the three plenary sessions were The Rt Hon The Baroness Scotland of Asthal PC, QC and political scientist Professor Michael Keating, while Samantha Sacramento MP delivered the speech for the Gibraltar Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo.
In addition to workshop and plenary sessions the conference programme included a day spent observing the wildlife and environment of the Falklands and considering the effects climate change and human activity might have on their survival.
Mr Watterson said: ‘The Falklands are a unique place where sovereignty and self-determination, the theme of the conference, are defining issues and it was useful for delegates to explore their relative positions with the UK and EU. It is fair to say that Tony and I found it a moving journey and it seemed appropriate to commemorate those who fought and died defending those rights by laying a wreath at the Stanley War Memorial on the Thursday. We also used the occasion of the conference to meet with government officials from the Falklands to discuss the challenges and opportunities that will come with the significant oil finds in those islands’ waters.’
Photo - Juan Watterson presenting a Tynwald plaque to Keith Biles, Speaker of the Falklands Islands Assembly.
