Holness elected CPA vice-chair, first Jamaican in 33 years

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Speaker of the House of Representatives Juliet Holness has been elected vice-chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), becoming the first Jamaican to do so in 33 years. Holness was elected on Thursday during the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Her election marks Jamaica's return to the vice-chairpersonship for the first time since former Speaker of the House of Representatives Headley Cunningham served in the office from 1992 to 1993. Holness previously served as chair of the CPA Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic (CAA) Region and her tenure as regional chair culminated in Jamaica's hosting of the 48th CPA Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Regional Conference from August 30 to September 5, 2026. Reflecting on her election, Holness said she was deeply honoured. "For Jamaica to return to this office after 33 years is a proud and significant moment for our Parliament and our country. I accept this responsibility with humility and with a clear sense of purpose. Leadership in the CPA is ultimately about service — strengthening the institutions through which we represent our people," she said. Holness gave special recognition to the presiding officers and other delegates of the CAA Region who worked actively in support of her candidacy. "This achievement was not the work of one person or one Parliament. It was a tremendous regional effort, and I carry that support with me into this new responsibility. I remain committed to ensuring that the experiences and perspectives of our region, particularly those of small states and smaller jurisdictions, continue to inform and enrich the work of the CPA," she noted. Holness will serve as CPA vice-chairperson for a one-year term. She assumes the vice-chairpersonship as the CPA advances its Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and transitioning to a new international legal status, following legislative measures in the United Kingdom designed to recognise the CPA in a manner more consistent with its character as an international interparliamentary organisation. The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference is being held in Cape Town, South Africa, from September 13 to 19, 2026 under the theme "Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership".