Last week, the Honourable Speaker of the Montserrat Legislative Assembly, Mrs. Marjorie Smith, attended the annual Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference 2025 in London. She was accompanied by Dr. Judith Baker, Director and Clerk of the Montserrat Legislative Assembly, and Ms. Kei-Retta Farrell, Government of Montserrat Representative to the United Kingdom.
This respected annual gathering brings together Speakers and parliamentary officials from across the Commonwealth and British Overseas Territories to exchange ideas, share best practices, and strengthen democratic institutions.
The 2025 programme addressed several critical themes, including:
A highlight of the week included a bilateral meeting between Speaker Smith and the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle. The two Speakers discussed areas of shared interest, including Montserrat’s geothermal energy ambitions and plans to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Soufrière Hills volcanic eruption, which will be marked in both Montserrat and the UK this year.
In addition, Speaker Smith joined her fellow Speakers for an audience with His Majesty The King and attended the Buckingham Palace Garden Party, a distinguished event recognising public service and civic leadership.
Reflecting on the experience, Speaker Smith noted:“The insights and connections gained during this conference are invaluable as we continue our efforts to modernise Montserrat’s legislative processes. The bilateral with Speaker Hoyle was particularly fruitful, and I was proud to highlight Montserrat’s resilience and future plans on such an important platform.”
The Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference continues to serve as a vital space for nurturing effective, inclusive, and forward-looking parliamentary leadership across the Overseas Territories.
