Report on the 33rd Conference of the British Islands and Mediterranean Region, Wales 8 - 12 April 2002
Introduction
The 33rd Conference of the British Islands and Mediterranean Region was held in Cardiff from Monday 8 to Friday 12 April 2002. Delegates were accommodated at The Thistle Hotel Cardiff and the Conference sessions were held in the National Assembly of Wales.
Representation
Delegates from 13 countries within the region attended the conference along with special guests Hon Denis Marshall QSO, Mr John Mills MP, New South Wales and Hon Peter Caruana, Chief Minister of Gibraltar. The Northern Ireland Assembly was represented by Rev Robert Coulter MLA, Eileen Bell MLA and John Ross.
Official Opening - Monday 8 April 2002
Our delegation arrived at the Thistle Hotel at 6.00pm which gave us just enough time to freshen up before dinner. The conference was officially opened by Mr John Griffiths AM at an evening reception hosted by the Executive Committee in the National Museum and Galleries, Cardiff. One of the highlights of the evening was the superb playing of the Welsh Harp by the Hansard staff of the Welsh Assembly.
Tuesday 9 April
Unlike last years event in Edinburgh the 33rd Conference got off to a very relaxed start with a tour of the National Botanic Gardens of Wales and a guided tour of the Maritime and Industrial Museum in Swansea. We then visited the newly refurbished Dylan Thomas centre before boarding the coach to return to out hotel. This was an excellent way to begin a conference as it gave delegates a chance to relax in each others company and afforded plenty of opportunities to build up contacts within the CPA family. Mr Ross attended a Secretaries meeting that evening which outlined guidelines for conducting debates throughout the conference.
Wednesday 10 April
In the morning the delegation made their way to the Conference room in the Assembly where a lively debate took place on "public participation in the democratic process". My colleague Eileen Bell spoke eloquently on the need for greater participation by the Northern Ireland public in the democratic institutions of devolution and outlined her concerns at the lack of accountability within government quangos.
The afternoon session was taken up by a debate on "the impact of the Euro". Rather than a discussion on the impact members seemed to go off at a tangent and discuss the distinct disadvantages of entry into a single European economy.
That evening we arrived for a civic dinner at the city hall hosted by The Rt. Hon The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Russell Goodway. Before the meal I was asked to say grace which I was able to deliver in Welsh.
Thursday 11 April
Before proceedings the conference was addressed by The Chief Minister of Gibraltar Hon Peter Caruana who severely criticised the British and Spanish governments stance on Gibraltar and sought the Region's support for their position.
In the morning session I was delighted to be given the honour on behalf of the Northern Ireland Assembly Branch of chairing the debate on "managing waste to protect our environment" with John Ross acting as secretary. Debate was lively with 10 different delegates speaking on what is fast becoming a very emotive subject.
A meeting of the Region's Executive Committee was then held which was addressed by Hon Denis Marshall QSO. I emphasised that the Northern Ireland Assembly Branch were keen to play a full and active part within the CPA and would be willing to host a Regional Conference. After discussion it was agreed that we could host the conference in 2006.
A motion was passed setting up a working party to look at whether the region has a need for a separate constitution and standing orders and review the issue of regional representation. I was delighted to accept a nomination to serve on this group.
The delegation then departed the Assembly by coach for a guided tour of the National Mining Museum of Wales. This was one of the highlights of the conference and involved going 300 feet underground for a tour of The Big Pit, Blaenavon. The day was completed by dinner in Cardiff Castle hosted by the Executive Committee with entertainment provided by the magnificent Cardiff Male Voice Choir.
Friday 12 April
The final session of the conference was on "tourism as a sector of the economy".Delegates used this platform to describe the various benefits of visiting (and spending money) in their countries. I am glad to say that the many virtues associated with holidaying in our country was well made. After a guided tour of the museum of Welsh life the delegation attended a farewell dinner in Cardiff City centre.
Evaluation
It was important that the Branch was represented at the Conference. The week was a blend of valuable discussion and interesting exchange of views enabling us to promote the good work of our Branch. We have managed to bring the Regional Conference to Northern Ireland in 2006. This will be a massive undertaking but we have the ability, commitment and talent within the Branch to carry it through.
Congratulations to Claire Griffiths and her staff for a very successful and enjoyable Conference.
REV DR ROBERT COULTER MLA
