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National Parliament of Solomon Islands News and Information Electoral System Parliamentary Strengthening Project |
The National Parliament needs to establish stronger connection with our communities as this is an avenue through which Members of Parliament can promote a greater understanding of Parliament’s roles and responsibilities. This was the message relayed to Members of Parliament by the Deputy Speaker of National Parliament, Hon. Clement Kengava, in the opening of Parliamentary Committee workshop at the Parliament House this morning. Speaking during the opening Hon. Kengava said that engaging communities will enable members to be better informed about community views, to establish a strong link between local communities and Parliament as this is vital to building trust between communities and Parliamentarians. “Our National Parliament has a committee system that enables Members of Parliament to examine issues in more detail than is possible in the House. Committees are a way in which the Parliament can look into issues that Parliament would not have had time to look into during Parliament sittings, therefore they play an important part in making sure that Parliament works effectively.” “The works of Committees provide an opportunity for individuals and groups to put their views directly to Parliamentarians strengthening the aim of ‘taking parliament to the people’. This can be done through making submissions, giving oral evidence, attending public hearings and obtaining copies of report. However, this is an important role of committees that is yet to be fully appreciated here in our Parliament,” Hon. Kengava said. The Role of Parliamentary Committees training workshop was opened this morning with speeches from the Deputy Speaker, the Prime Minister and the Leader of Opposition. The workshop is organized by the Centre for Democratic Institutions (CDI) in conjunction with National Parliament of Solomon Islands and UNDP’s Solomon Islands Parliamentary Strengthening Project. The workshop will conclude tomorrow, Thursday 17 April 2008. ENDS// For more information please contact Parliamentary Secretariat on ph: 23424/ 23461, fax 23080/ 24272 [Click to View or Download Speeches]
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