Following the successful hosting of a series of international events, Guyana is now set to host the 34th Annual Regional Conference of the Caribbean, the Americas and Atlantic Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) from July 12-16.

This year’s conference is expected to see the participation of several countries, including Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Grenada, Antigua, Jamaica, Britain, and Canada. Several others are yet to confirm their participation.

The delegates will be debating on socio-economic and political matters that threaten to hinder the region’s development, the Parliament Office said.

The delegates are expected to arrive at 11:00 h on Friday. An opening ceremony will be held on Sunday at the National Cultural Center (NCC), and on Monday, the Conference gets under way at the Guyana International Conference Center, Liliendaal.

The Association was founded in 1911 as the Empire Parliamentary Association and renamed the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in 1949. It serves to provide easier exchange of information and facilitate closer understanding and more frequent intercourses among those engaged in the parliamentary governance of the various Commonwealth states.

The CPA consists of the national, provincial, state and territorial Parliaments and Legislatures of the countries of the Commonwealth, and has membership in 51 of the 52 Commonwealth member states. Last year’s conference was held in Westminster, London. (GINA)