A delegation from the Parliament of Barbados has been to Westminster to engage in important conversations about climate change, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the impact of select committees.

The delegation was made up of two MPs, one senator and the deputy clerk. Held in November, it was the first time CPA UK hosted a Barbados delegation since the Caribbean country transitioned to a parliamentary republic in 2021. It was a valuable opportunity for recently elected UK Parliamentarians and the visiting delegation to discuss issues of mutual interest and to strength interparliamentary ties.

A small island developing state, Barbados is especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and so participants exchanged ideas on how members of parliament can effectively address climate change within their constituencies, as well as managing pressing challenges such as water security.

Discussions also focused on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, and its suitability within the Bajan parliamentary context. The delegation tested transcription software to evaluate how effectively and accurately AI can transcribe spoken parliamentary debates. All agreed AI tools needed to be selected appropriately to ensure high standards of accuracy and consistency, and that resource and budget constraints pose significant challenges when it comes to adopting AI.  Speakers highlighted the need to keep clerks and officials actively involved so they can help to reduce risks of bias or errors.

Despite the size difference between the two Parliaments, participants actively exchanged strategies to enhance public engagement, improve transparency and gather evidence. Discussions focused on practical approaches to improving committees accessibility and effectiveness to support their vital roles in examining legislation and supporting informed decisions. The need for adequate resources to ensure accountability and strengthen legislative scrutiny was stressed by all parties. The importance of clerks providing effective recommendations while respecting the committee’s democratic mandate to allow parliamentarians to focus on the bigger picture was appreciated by participants. 

For the final day of their visit, the delegation travelled to Reading, which has a significant Bajan diaspora and maintains strong cultural and community ties with Barbados. They received a warm welcome from Matt Rodda MP in his Reading Central constituency. Members were able to compare similarities and constituency differences between the UK and Barbados while also exploring Reading's rich history and connections to the Caribbean. A special exhibition at Reading Museum highlighted historical ties between the two countries, in particular Barbados’ contribution to the armed forces. The delegation also visited the civic centre, where they met the Mayor of Reading, Councillor Glenn Dennis; the leader of the council, Liz Terry; other councillors, and members of the Barbados and Friends Association.

CPA UK was delighted to host the visiting delegation from the Parliament of Barbados and looks forward to future engagement between the two parliaments. In 2025 the Parliament of Barbados will host CPA’s annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.