A Delegation from the Parliament of the Cayman Islands recently participated in the 74th Westminster Seminar on Effective Parliaments, held in London, United Kingdom, from 9th – 13th March 2026. Representing the Cayman Islands were Minister of District Administration & Home Affairs, Hon. Nickolas DaCosta, Member of the Opposition, Mr. Roy Tatum, and Parliamentary Procedural Clerk, Mrs. Tishel McLean. Hosted by the United Kingdom Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA UK), the Westminster Seminar is an annual programme that brings together parliamentarians and parliamentary officials from across the Commonwealth. The five-day seminar provided a platform for knowledge sharing, peer learning, and professional development, particularly for those relatively new to parliamentary roles.
The 74th Seminar welcomed approximately 70 delegates from Commonwealth jurisdictions, offering a comprehensive programme focused on strengthening parliamentary effectiveness. Sessions explored key themes, including the role of Parliamentarians and Parliamentary Officials/Clerks, Ethics and Standards, Engagement with the media, and Diversity and Inclusion. Participation in the seminar provided the Cayman Islands delegation with valuable opportunities to engage with international counterparts, exchange best practices, and deepen their understanding of parliamentary procedures and governance frameworks.
As part of the programme’s “Members’ Outreach in Practice” component, Hon. Nickolas DaCosta and Mr. Roy Tatum visited Portsmouth, where they engaged with local stakeholders, including a visit to a local school, and observed constituency-level parliamentary outreach in practice. This experience provided practical insight into how UK Members of Parliament interact with constituents, including young people, and address local issues within their respective jurisdictions. Hon. DaCosta highlighted the value of the experience, particularly the opportunity to gain insight into the UK Parliament to strengthen institutional knowledge. “Participating in the 74th Westminster Seminar was a valuable opportunity to engage with parliamentary colleagues from across the Commonwealth and gain deeper insight into the workings of the UK Parliament. The experience provided an important perspective on the role strong institutions, informed debate, and collaboration play in effective governance. I look forward to sharing these insights with my colleagues at home as we continue our work in service of the people of the Cayman Islands.”
Mr. Tatum also emphasised the importance of the seminar in enhancing parliamentary practice and collaboration across overseas jurisdictions. “Participating in this 74th Westminster Seminar reinforced the importance of strong parliamentary practice, accountability, and collaboration across the Commonwealth and UK Overseas Territories. It also provided practical insights that can help those attending to continue strengthening our Parliament and improving how we serve the people of the Cayman Islands.”
The delegation was particularly impressed by the Education Centre at the UK Parliament, which was highly engaging and informative in its approach to public education. It represents an excellent model that parliaments may consider adopting to enhance outreach and foster greater engagement among young people. The insights gained are expected to support the continued development and strengthening of parliamentary procedure in the Cayman Islands. “I was truly honoured to participate in the 74th Westminster Seminar in London, which provided an invaluable opportunity to engage with parliamentary procedural professionals from across the Commonwealth. The exchange of ideas, practices, and perspectives was both insightful and inspiring. I look forward to applying these shared learnings to strengthen and enhance the procedures of our Parliament in the Cayman Islands,” said Mrs. Tishel McLean, Parliamentary Procedural Clerk.