New Zealand Speaker marks the passing of the CPA Secretary-General

“It is with great sadness that we mark the death of the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Dr William F Shija, at his home in London on 4 October 2014” said Speaker Rt Hon David Carter from Yaoundé, Cameroon where he is leading a delegation to the 60th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference.

The Secretary-General is the chief executive of the CPA and responsible for promoting its aims and objectives. Dr Shija served as Secretary-General from 1 January 2007, dedicating the last eight years to building parliamentary democracy and engagement across Commonwealth parliaments. Dr Shija had a particular interest in how more established parliaments could support younger democracies and was keenly aware of the challenges faced in the Pacific.

Dr Shija was a former Minister and Member of the Tanzanian Parliament and his roles included Chairing the Foreign Affairs Committee.

“While visiting the New Zealand Parliament in December 2009, Dr Shija was accorded a seat to the left of the Chair in our parliamentary chamber - indicative of the esteem in which he was held by the Parliament”, noted the Speaker. “The New Zealand Parliament expresses its condolences to Dr Shija’s family and CPA staff at this sad time.

ENDS

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