The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Akbar Khan is visiting the Isle of Man Branch of the CPA and Tynwald for a two-day visit today and tomorrow.
During his visit he will meet with President of Tynwald Stephen Rodan and Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson before meeting with members of the CPA Isle of Man executive committee and other MHKs and MLCs.
The CPA is the only Commonwealth body that works to strengthen parliaments in its smaller branches, such as Tynwald.
Mr Watterson said: ’Tynwald’s links with other parliaments through the CPA have never been more important than they are today. Education is a key theme of the CPA, whether for parliamentarians or linking communities. I am glad that Mr Khan, through his school roadshows, will help to convey this message to the Island’s young people. He will also have the opportunity to attend a sitting, to meet Tynwald members and to see some of our interparliamentary work first-hand, thanks to the fact that his visit coincides with a visit from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly in Pakistan.’
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Mr Akbar said: ’As the CPA reaches its 105th year, we are very excited about bringing the CPA Roadshow for young people to the Isle of Man for the first time and to engage with local students on the values that unite the Commonwealth. I am delighted to visit the Isle of Man Branch of the CPA and to talk about the important and innovative work they are undertaking.’
The CPA Secretary-General will visit four schools in the Isle of Man - Dhoon Primary School, St Ninian’s High School, Castle Rushen High School, and King William’s College - as part of the CPA Roadshows tour of the Commonwealth schools and universities.
The CPA Roadshows provide an opportunity for young people to learn about the political values of the Commonwealth such as diversity, development and parliamentary democracy; to discuss issues of concern about the society in which they live; and to meet local Members of Parliament and Parliamentary staff and to find out about the work of the CPA.