National Assembly Staff Attend Caribbean Clerk’s Program in Trinidad

Two staff members from the National Assembly of Belize, Manuel Grant and Heillie Burns, participated in the Caribbean Clerk’s Program 2025, held in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The three-day event, which concluded on February 15, aimed to enhance parliamentary democracy across the region by fostering stronger networks among parliamentary clerks and officials.

Burns led a session on The Independence of Parliament, where she highlighted the importance of maintaining parliamentary autonomy for effective governance. The separation of powers between the Executive and the Legislature ensures accountability and prevents overreach.

Meanwhile, Grant took on the role of rapporteur during several workshops. He discussed topics such as drafting a Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament (MP) and developing an Induction Process for newly elected MPs. The program gathered thirty-three delegates from seventeen Caribbean legislatures, which prompted best practices and strengthening collaboration between Caribbean and UK parliamentary officials.

The program’s costs were covered by the CPA UK Branch.