CDU Leaders Attend IDU Forum in London, UK

By Desrine McTair. Updated 6:18p.m., Friday, June 30, 2023, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

International Democracy Union (IDU) celebrated 40 years from 1983-2023 under the theme “Four Decades Connecting Freedom” in London, United Kingdom.

According to a press release, (June 28), CDU said, the event brought together center-right political party leaders from all regions of the world.

The forum took place from June 19th to June 21st, 2023.

The Caribbean Democrat Union (CDU) members that event the milestone were Hon. Allen Chastanet Leader of the Opposition St. Lucia and Political Leader of the United Workers Party; Hon. Dr. Godwin Friday Leader of the Opposition St. Vincent and the Grenadines and President of the New Democratic Party; Mr. Nick Francis Secretary General of the CDU; and Mr. Kendron Christopher Chairman of the CYDU. Special guests at the IDU Forum also included UK Foreign Secretary Rt. Hon. James Cleverly, Conservative Party Chairman Rt Hon Greg Hands MP, and former Secretary of State in the USA Michael R. Pompeo.

The panel discussions included the war in Ukraine, economic policy, trade, and environmental governance.

In the press release, Hon. Allen Chastanet, Leader of the Opposition St. Lucia and Political Leader of the United Workers Party said, “Events such as the IDU Forum are important to championing the cause of democracy and bring together thought leaders from around the world to discuss the pressing challenges that confront us as a global community including climate change financing and building resilience. We continue to use these spaces to highlight the various issues facing our Caribbean region and the need for greater cooperation and support.”

CDU Leaders also held bilateral meetings with UK Members of Parliament during the visit;
this included talks with Rt Hon Dame Maria Miller MP on achievements of the
Conservatives WFD Programme in the Caribbean towards increasing women and youth
political participation, the press release stated.

Hon. Dr. Godwin Friday Leader of the Opposition St. Vincent and the Grenadines and President of the New Democratic Party said, “The CDU has a critical role to play in strengthening democracy in our region. It is important to highlight the threat of authoritarian regimes that seek to undermine the fundamental rights and freedoms that our people enjoy. The IDU Forum is also a critical space to network with other world leaders, to gain deeper insight into the challenges facing us as a global community and to engage in important discussions on development policy.”

Photo Credit: Caribbean Democrat Union