The speaker of the National Assembly of Cameroon cum president of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, CPA, Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril has described the hosting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, CPC as a dream come true.
He made the statement in Yaounde, October 6, at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, which brought together delegates from all the nine regions that form the commonwealth notably: Africa, Asia, Australia, British Isles and Mediterranean, Canada, Caribbean and Mediterranean, India, Pacific and South East Asia.
Addressing the gathering, Cavaye noted that the conference in Cameroon is the end result of a long process that began as early as 2011.
“Right from the day we joint the commonwealth in 1995, we dreamt of how we would have the President in our midst, this is a dream come true”, he added. He seized the opportunity to extend the condolences of all delegates present to President Biya over the loss of his mother-in-law.
For his part, the Government Delegate to the Yaounde City Council, Gilbert Tsimi Evouna, said the summit is the greatest pinnacle that Cameroon is hosting since she joined the Commonwealth.
After welcoming all delegates, he requested that they savour the historic and touristic riches as well as the legendary hospitality of Yaounde before embarking on other trips round the country.
Noting that it was his maiden visit to Cameroon since he was made Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, I.P.U, Martin Chungong expressed sorrow over the demise of the Secretary General of the CPA.
“I’m sure you would all wish to perpetrate his legacy”, he remarked. He said the conference was taking place at a crucial moment in history as the international community is reflecting on a new development agenda and urged the delegates to push up democratic governance.
Commenting on the fact that the delegates shall be discussing ways of stifling female emancipation, Chungong said: “we can no longer be contented to be a gentle man’s club. I wish that at the end of the sitting, we should leave as a gentle peoples club”.
He highlighted the fact that by hosting this conference, Cameroon is offering the delegates the opportunity of savouring, first hand, the unity which she has built over the years. That is unity in diversity, bilingualism and cultures.
In line with this highlight, in her address, presented by the British High Commissioner to Cameroon, Queen Elizabeth 2 of England said, “The world has much to learn from Cameroon’s unity, peace and tolerance, with over 230 languages from different ethnic groups.
Making a general remark, the Executive Committee President of the CPA, Sir Alan Haselhurst said he was very impressed by the arrangements put in place to ensure the smooth functioning of the conference as well as hospitality and kindness of Cameroon.
To him 2014 has so far been a remarkable year for Cameroon on the international scene. He expressed his condolence to the family of Albert Ebosse Bonjongo Dika and lamented over Cameroon’s dismal performance at the world cup.
He appreciated Cameroon’s friendly position as a center for growth and noted that GDP has equally grown and lauded the investment potential of Cameroon and her political stability. He said that transparency, accountability and a chance to improve our abilities to be governed are opportunities that such conferences bring.
Making a balance sheet of his term of office he said, “It’s been very enriching and sometimes challenging but it has permitted me to meet many people across the commonwealth”. Painting a picture of some novelties he introduced: promotion of women, organisation of an annual youth parliamentary summit for youths under 25.
