Good news for first-time Ministers of Government in Commonwealth Caribbean countries, especially those who have become Ministers following elections in the COVID-plagued year of 2020.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the Civil Service College of London are launching a five-day professional development programme for such Ministers in the summer of 2021.

The programme, under the heading “From Backbencher to Minister” is designed to equip new ministers with the skills and tools to enable them to perform their roles more effectively. It will “walk” new ministers through their responsibilities, identifying the skills necessary for effective leadership of government departments.

The CPA is a network of over 17,000 Commonwealth parliamentarians and staff which has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality development programmes for its members. It works in collaboration with the Civil Service College which carries out similar work in the British civil service and public sector.

The Chief Executive of the College, Sonny Leong CBE, in commenting on the relevance of the course said, “Isn’t it strange that no training is provided to new ministers on how to do their job? The job of a minister is a strange one, there is no job description, no application, no interview, you are appointed to be a chief decision-maker of a large and complex department that you may know absolutely nothing about”.

The course is scheduled for London from July 12-16, 2021 and, led by ex-ministers, former parliamentarians and senior public servants is expected to provide new Ministers with the best possible foundation to ensure a fast and smooth transition into their new jobs.