“We are chief cooks and bottle washers”

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK, in partnership with The Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and ParlAmericas, is delivering a 3-day event to support and connect parliamentary clerks working across the Caribbean. 

Thirty-three clerks from seventeen legislatures are at the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, also known as the Red House because of its distinctive colour and architecture. Sessions will include exploring what the role of clerks and parliamentary officials; codes of conduct and ethics, and improving efficiency using new technology and AI.

It is an opportunity for clerks, who are non-political and permanent officials, to share knowledge, expand networks and make new friends.

In her welcome remarks Sharla Elcock, Legal Officer II at the Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, described clerks as the “chief cooks and bottle washers.” She said,

“There must be a cadre of trusted, dedicated parliamentary officials to support the effective work of parliament and keep democracy rolling.”

Two clerks from the UK Parliament, one from the House of Commons and one from the House of Lords, are here to share their experience with delegates. Mike Everett who works at the House of Commons said,

“Members of Parliament are the elected representatives, but members come and go. Parliament as an institution remains and so it’s important that it has trusted, dedicated and impartial parliamentary officials to support the work and the democratic process. So one of the key objectives of this conference is to learn from one another and to develop so that we can go back and support our parliaments as effectively as we can.”

The programme started on Tuesday 11^th February and will finish on Thursday 13^th February.

Delegates outside the Red House in Trinidad