Members of the Caribbean Democrat Union (CDU) were represented at the Conservatives Party Conference held in Manchester UK from October 1st to 4th 2023. The representatives attending the
conference included:
- Mr. Robert Been, Deputy Leader of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) in Turks and
Caicos - Mr. Kendron Christopher, Chairman of the Caribbean Young Democrat Union (CYDU) in
Jamaica - Mr. Jemy Altenor from the United Workers Party (UWP) in Saint Lucia and
- Mr. Nick Francis, Secretary General of the CDU
As part of the international delegation attending the Conservative Party Conference in
Manchester, CDU Representatives met with UK Foreign Secretary Rt. Hon. James Cleverly and
discussed several issues impacting the Caribbean region including climate change, the rise in gun
violence, and illegal migration. The CDU delegates also participated in several panel discussions on youth in politics, the rise of disinformation and strengthening democracy globally, and held other bilateral meetings with key officials including Rt. Hon. Greg Hands, chairman of the Conservative Party. The CDU delegates also applauded the Conservatives Westminster Foundation
for Democracy (WFD) Caribbean Programme for the significant contribution it has made towards
increasing women and youth political participation by making political parties more inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the needs of constituents.
The week’s activities culminated with a major speech by UK Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Rishi Sunak which underscored the conference theme “Long Term Decisions for a Brighter Future”.
“It was an honour and privilege to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Peoples
Democratic Movement at this major conference with my colleagues from the CDU and other delegates from around the world. The bilateral meetings and other engagements were important
opportunities to discuss the pressing issues facing our country and our people, particularly gun violence, illegal migration, and climate change. The PDM is committed to representing the people of the TCI at the highest levels and looks forward to further engagements and meaningful dialogue
with our international partners working to strengthen democracy and good governance practice”
– Mr. Robert Been, Deputy Leader PDM, Turks and Caicos Islands
“This relationship with our international partners is critical to strengthening and maintaining
strong democracies in the Caribbean region. We are grateful to the Conservative Party and the
Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) for supporting our Caribbean programme which
is focused on greater inclusion and participation of women and youth in political parties and
politics in general. We were able to share how our programming is making a positive impact in
CDU member countries with more youth and women standing for elections and registering to vote. Such programming is critical to safeguarding democracy and democratic practice for future
generations” – Mr. Nick Francis, Secretary General, CDU.