APPG on Dominica set to be chaired by UK MP Preet Kaur Gill

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the Commonwealth of Dominica is all set to be chaired by UK MP Preet Kaur Gill. The agenda of the APPG will be highlighting the country’s climate resilient initiatives and issues of Small Island Developing States.

Along with that, the group will also focus on ways of strengthening cultural and business ties. While shedding light on the political sphere of the country, the APPG aims to open a new chapter of cultural, social and business engagement between the UK and Dominica.

The APPG promoted Dominica as a necessary partner to the UK in the inaugural meeting on December 12, 2023, after which the functioning of the group in relation to climate change initiatives and small nations issues started.

The informal groups- APPGs are formulated with the Member of Parliament and the House of Lords with the aim to discuss and conduct research on certain issues. These groups are also used to enhance support for several global challenges.

Preet Kaur Gill– Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, has been serving as Shadow Minister for Primary Care and Public Health. As the chair of APPG in Dominica, MP Gill expressed her eagerness and support for the initiative.

She said that the group will work efficiently to promote Small Island Developing States and enhance the working of the countries to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Gill asserted that the relationship of the United Kingdom with Small Island Developing States (SDIs) will assist them in fighting against the issues of climate change and other global challenges. She said that the APPG will work on strengthening their Commonwealth ties.

She added,” The relations of Dominica with the UK matters, and I’m excited to get an opportunity to strengthen Commonwealth ties.”

Notably, the APPG will be vice-chaired by Daniel Kawczynski MP, Dawn Butler MP and Kate Osamor MP. Along with that, Lord Randall of Uxbridge and Lisa Cameronha MP will also serve the group as members.

The initiative is also well supported by Janet Charles, the Acting High Commissioner for Dominica, who asserted that the APPG will be efficiently used to address the challenges faced by the small island developing states (SIDs).

She asserted that the APPG would serve as the platform to draw attention to SIDS, which is usually forgotten. These countries have always remained on the verge of climate change issues, and this initiative will benefit and assist them economically and fiscally.

While expressing pleasure, Charles lauded the opportunity for Dominica and said that she is looking forward to working with UK MPs and Lords to showcase the country.

Members of APPG Dominica

Additionally, the MPs or Lords have been selected from different political parties in cross-party dialogue for APPGs. One of the vice chairs, Kawczynski, is also serving as the Conservative MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham. He is known for his experience of charing or vice chairing several APPGs, including St Kitts and Nevis APPG and Brazil APPG.

While bringing international experience, Vice Chair Kate Osamor- a Labour MP for Edmonton, has formerly served as Shadow Secretary of State for International Development.

Serving as Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, Dawn Butler MP is also among the members of Dominica APPG. Buter, the Labour MP for Brent Central, has also chaired or vice-chaired Jamaica APPG and the APPG for the Caribbean.

Aim of APPG

The agenda of APPG is to showcase the importance of the Caribbean region in parliamentary, foreign policy and security circles both within and beyond the United Kingdom. Earlier in February 2023, the formation of APPG for St Kitts and Nevis led the parliamentary delegation to visit the island.

The APPG for the Caribbean has played a role in steering the conversations between the Caribbean and the UK government. The aim of the APPG is to enhance future climate-resilient initiatives and drive more attention from developed nations.

The APPG will also host meetings of its members during the upcoming year to encourage and deepen UK-Dominica relations.

The Caribbean region has always remained at the forefront in talking about climate change and small island nations as they have faced a huge brunt of natural disasters and carbon footprints.

However, Dominica has adopted a resilient approach against climate change by building resilient infrastructure and homes. While positioning itself as an example, the country has withstood these disasters and the impact of climate change.

The construction of a geothermal power plant and resilient houses has gained the appreciation and attention of the United Kingdom.