Speeches by Mundell.

“Yes, we met them.”

“Rosalind, we have heard here in the UK Parliament from different civilian groups. How authoritatively can we assess how representative they are? Surely, it is a challenge for you to ensure that the groups and individuals participating in your civilian engagement are actually representative of the population.”

“It is, but I want to ask you a more general question first about the perception and influence of the UK in the Caribbean and also your role as Minister for the Commonwealth. I was at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Barbados, and an undercurrent there was the increased influence of the United St…”

“Right, okay. That was the original impetus for the debate application.”

“If it would be more helpful to the Committee, I can resubmit the application—”

“The application I would wish for is focused on the global response to HIV/AIDS. I am partly speaking with the hat on of being the co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on HIV, AIDS and sexual health. As Committee members will be aware, there were very significant cuts to funding for HIV/AIDS in the United State…”

“Very quickly, UnaMay, on that point, before the next hurricane arrives, who would you have expected to lead the response?”

“It is. I do apologise, because I thought I had filled it in on the basis that it was very specifically focused on HIV/AIDS. I apologise if that was not clear in the application. Certainly, those who supported the application did so on the basis that that was what the debate would be about.”

“The focus of the debate was, in my understanding, the global response to HIV/AIDS, and not as wide as stated, so I do apologise, Chair.”

“We have already heard some examples but beginning with you, UnaMay, what lessons can the UK draw from its response to Hurricane Melissa to help prepare responses for future crises?”

“Which Government—your Government?”

“Who within the international community would you have expected to be leading?”

“Yes.”

“Can I ask you first, UnaMay, given the decisions the UK Government have made in terms of how they will prioritise their funding, which areas of focus should the Government seek to prioritise in their work with Jamaica and other small island developing states?”

“Yes.”

“Can I ask you first, UnaMay, given the decisions the UK Government have made in terms of how they will prioritise their funding, which areas of focus should the Government seek to prioritise in their work with Jamaica and other small island developing states?”

“As they say, you have it on the record.”

“Which Government—your Government?”

“We have already heard some examples but beginning with you, UnaMay, what lessons can the UK draw from its response to Hurricane Melissa to help prepare responses for future crises?”

“Very quickly, UnaMay, on that point, before the next hurricane arrives, who would you have expected to lead the response?”