Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the system of Parliament must become a trusted source of accurate information in the digital age. He made this statement at the 48th Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic (CAA) Region.
Parliament’s Role in the Digital Age
Bartlett called for a fundamental digital transformation of Parliament to make it more open, accessible, and resilient. He noted that technology has changed the relationship between citizens and their elected representatives, making it imperative for legislatures to adapt.
With 42 years of service in Gordon House, Bartlett reflected on the transformation from an era where paper, microphones, and conviction were the primary tools of the trade to today’s digital age. He described this transformation as profound and unavoidable.
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Key Pillars of a Digital Parliament
Bartlett identified transparency, efficiency and resilience, and public participation and trust as key pillars of a modern digital Parliament. He argued that democracy “dies in darkness but thrives in daylight,” and in the digital age, this means making parliamentary proceedings and legislation readily accessible online.
He proposed the creation of a Parliamentary Resilience and Digital Continuity Centre to ensure democracy can continue functioning during national emergencies. Bartlett also called for digital public consultations, virtual town halls, and secure platforms for young people and members of the diaspora to participate in the legislative process.
However, he stressed that technology is not the goal, but rather trust is the goal. If citizens do not understand Parliament’s work, they cannot fully support it, and if they are excluded from the process, they are less likely to defend democratic institutions.
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Misinformation and the Digital Environment
Bartlett pointed to the growing threat posed by misinformation in the digital environment. He urged legislatures to establish themselves as authoritative sources of information.
The challenge facing Parliament is ultimately not simply how to adopt new technology, but how to preserve democratic values in a rapidly changing information environment. Bartlett’s call for a digital transformation of Parliament aims to strengthen its role as a trusted source of accurate information and democratic accountability.
They propose that a Parliamentary Resilience and Digital Continuity Centre is a step towards ensuring that democracy can continue functioning during national emergencies. This is particularly important in the Caribbean region, where countries are vulnerable to natural disasters and other crises, and the resilience of institutions is key.