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The House of Assembly (HoA) is exploring how artificial intelligence and other digital tools could modernise parliamentary operations while protecting sensitive information and maintaining human oversight.
In a press release, HoA stated that, Executive Officer Theresa Penn and Hansard Editor Damian McGowan represented the HoA at the Caribbean Regional Workshop, “Applying AI and Digital Solutions to Modernise Parliamentary Practice,” held from September 12 to 13 at Florida International University in Miami.
The workshop brought together approximately 30 parliamentary representatives from across the Caribbean, including clerks, Hansard professionals, information technology specialists, communications personnel and other parliamentary officers.
It was sponsored by the House Democracy Partnership of the United States House of Representatives, in collaboration with ParlAmericas and the POPVOX Foundation.
Sessions examined the use of AI and digital tools in legislative research, records management, administrative work, public access to information and the preservation of parliamentary records. Participants also discussed cybersecurity, data protection, staff training, digitisation standards and institutional policies governing AI.
“The central message of the workshop was that artificial intelligence should support parliamentary work, not replace the human judgement, accountability and institutional processes that underpin parliamentary democracy,” Penn stated.
The workshop formed part of the Digital Parliaments Project, which supports legislatures seeking to strengthen institutional systems, digitise records and responsibly adopt emerging technologies.
McGowan said AI could assist with digitising, organising, searching and retrieving Bills, Hansards, minutes and other parliamentary records.
“Through careful planning and responsible implementation, digital solutions can contribute to a more efficient, accessible and modern House of Assembly,” he stated.
The HoA said modernisation requires more than adopting technology. It must also include sound governance, accurate and accessible data, trained staff, cybersecurity measures and safeguards for confidential parliamentary information.
In a press release, HoA stated that, Executive Officer Theresa Penn and Hansard Editor Damian McGowan represented the HoA at the Caribbean Regional Workshop, “Applying AI and Digital Solutions to Modernise Parliamentary Practice,” held from September 12 to 13 at Florida International University in Miami.
The workshop brought together approximately 30 parliamentary representatives from across the Caribbean, including clerks, Hansard professionals, information technology specialists, communications personnel and other parliamentary officers.
It was sponsored by the House Democracy Partnership of the United States House of Representatives, in collaboration with ParlAmericas and the POPVOX Foundation.
Sessions examined the use of AI and digital tools in legislative research, records management, administrative work, public access to information and the preservation of parliamentary records. Participants also discussed cybersecurity, data protection, staff training, digitisation standards and institutional policies governing AI.
“The central message of the workshop was that artificial intelligence should support parliamentary work, not replace the human judgement, accountability and institutional processes that underpin parliamentary democracy,” Penn stated.
The workshop formed part of the Digital Parliaments Project, which supports legislatures seeking to strengthen institutional systems, digitise records and responsibly adopt emerging technologies.
McGowan said AI could assist with digitising, organising, searching and retrieving Bills, Hansards, minutes and other parliamentary records.
“Through careful planning and responsible implementation, digital solutions can contribute to a more efficient, accessible and modern House of Assembly,” he stated.
The HoA said modernisation requires more than adopting technology. It must also include sound governance, accurate and accessible data, trained staff, cybersecurity measures and safeguards for confidential parliamentary information.
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