Tynwald is to be the setting for a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Small Branches committee workshop.

Some 16 delegates representing the regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, CAA, (Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic) the Pacific and South East Asia will be attending the two-day CPA-funded workshop on Tuesday August 18th and Wednesday August 19th when they will be exploring the diverse approaches among Small Branches to committee systems in their respective legislatures.

Attendees will also have an opportunity on Thursday August 20th to visit the Old House of Keys and Castle Rushen.

The proposal that the CPA host the workshop in the Isle of Man follows a recommendation from the Clerk of Tynwald Roger Phillips to CPA assistant director of programmes Arlene Bussette, who was in the Island earlier this year attending a CPA parliamentary study visit.

The programme for the workshop has been arranged by the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald and focuses on the unique challenges Small Branches, in particular their committee systems, face to ensure sustainable and resilient parliamentary democracy.

Acting CPA Secretary-General Mr Joe Omorodion will be among the delegates attending. He said: ‘At a time of geopolitical change and challenge Small Branches have an increasingly important role to play in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Opportunities to share the diversity of experience among Small Branches substantially strengthens the sustainability of the CPA and in this, Tynwald, as the oldest continuous parliament in the world, has much to contribute. I look forward to what I am sure will be an insightful and valuable two-day workshop in the Isle of Man.’