Representing Newport

Tuesday, 8th April 2008

Report written by Stephen Marshall – Representing Newport Info Shop, NYC, Funkky Dragon Wales CPA

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) full day event in London on the 10th March was attended by young people from as far and wide as Bermuda, Trinidad and Tobago, Australia, Gibraltar and of course the United Kingdom. The day was for us (the young people) to gain a better understanding of the Commonwealth, what it is, who its members are and what being a member means. The other important message was that of the environment and how climate change will affect developing nations worse than here in the U.K

The Tour of the Houses of Parliament

We had a guided tour of parliament and Although Craig and I had been before, we still learnt plenty. It was important to find out the contributions to the House of Commons by the many commonwealth countries.

Portcullis House

Wow I never knew there was a tunnel from parliament underneath the road leading from the old building to a state of the art new building for MPs.

In the first workshop we found out that the CPA promotes democracy and equal access to human rights. Countries join on a voluntary basis and all are of equal status. The CPA also promotes human rights and tackles environmental issues.

In the second workshop two MPs (Kate Hoey and James Paice) talked about their roles which sounded very demanding and highly responsible. They also answered questions on many issues like votes for young people and the European Union.

The third workshop was a talk by DR Michael Refalo from Malta and MR Annan Arkyin Cato from Ghana. They answered questions about the new immigration laws including the point system. WE found out that before the Thatcher government, commonwealth citizens were able to go to university at a lower cost than other foreign countries. Despite the ending of this policy our important Commonwealth ties are, thankfully, as strong as ever.

The fourth workshop was from a parliamentary clerk explaining more about how the UK parliament works and the importance of political neutrality.

Commonwealth Day Observance Westminster Abbey

The Observance was the first time I had been inside the Abby which is rich in decoration, history and culture. The service was attended by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth 2nd and the Duke of Edinburgh as well as other distinguished guests. It featured music and celebrations including opera, a Haka, the singing of African children as well as the sound of a rainforest which will stay with me for life.

We heard messages from many religious leaders as well as one from the Queen about how important it is to look after our environment.

Commonwealth Secretary – General’s Reception at Marlborough House

The reception was packed with dignitaries from all across the Commonwealth wanting to meet the Queen. I managed to speak to her briefly about myself and my future and she wished me the best of luck which gave me renewed enthusiasm.

I also spoke with the President of Uganda who told me about his country. It was fascinating to learn about the difference of cultures but I also felt that we should help these countries more. I spoke with many other High Commissioners learning about their countries and telling the about Wales.

I would like to thank those in the CPA Wales Branch who made this possible. I never thought I would have the chance to meet the Queen and I am pleased to have done so. I have come away from the event with many new experiences and a better understanding of the Commonwealth, its membership and its sheer size. I will go back to Wales and tell others of my experience, but also how important the Commonwealth is and that we should strengthen our links as much as possible.

I felt so unprepared because I had not been taught about the Commonwealth in school. It is important for the Commonwealth to be taught in school (and Welsh Bac) in order to ensure our links remain. They have helped us in the past and we need to help them now in order for them to be environmentally sustainable.

I would like to recommend that young people from Wales attend this fantastic opportunity in future. It was a brilliant, never to be forgotten life experience.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme