Commonwealth Day celebrations in Dominica kicked off on Monday morning under the theme “Team Commonwealth”.
A special ecumenical service was held at the Arawak House of Culture with President of Dominica Charles Savarin and his wife, Acting Prime Minister Rayburn Blackmore, Speaker of the House Alix Boyd Knight, other members of parliament and students of primary and secondary schools across the island in attendance.
Speaking at Monday morning’s activity Speaker of the House of Assembly, Alix Boyd-Knights, explained that the theme should ignite a spark that induces the urge to help.
“The Commonwealth theme is an extraordinary one where 53 different countries have united to share values, experiences, best practices with one common goal in mind to improve the lives of people and to develop our countries,” she stated.
According to her, teamwork is at the core of the Commonwealth machinery which has served its members so well over the years.
“We seem so ready to discard old ways for modern ones. We hardly use teamwork in our vocabulary anymore we have now become an ‘I’ society isolated by choice. Is it wishful thinking that this year’s commonwealth day theme will ignite a spark that induces us to be more willing to help and share with each other,” she noted.
In the meantime, President Charles Savarin, who presented the Commonwealth day message on behalf of the Queen, noted that the nations are a powerful influence of good for the future.
“People of all ages from different cultures are weaving an ever-growing network of links which connect us in our diversity and our common purpose. It is this unity that is expressed in this year’s theme: Team Commonwealth,” he stated.
The message stated further that experiences of life differ widely throughout the Commonwealth and each country has varying viewpoints, however they remain committed to the same goals.
“Together we offer each other encouragement, and draw strength from this mutual support,” he said.
Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the second Monday in March annually.
The core values (of Commonwealth Day) surround:
Democracy, Human rights, International peace and security, Tolerance, respect and understanding,
Freedom of Expression, Separation of Powers,
Rule of Law, Good Governance, Sustainable Development, Protecting the Environment, Access to Health, Education, Food and Shelter, Gender Equality, Importance of Young People in the Commonwealth, Recognition of the Needs of Small States, Recognition of the Needs of Vulnerable States and The Role of Civil Society
Convent High at its best! Great performance from the Sign Language Group.
Love the theme Team Commonwealth .Is that prophetic to Team Dominica?. This nation needs team work and the time for striving to greater heights is now God bless the Commonwealth countries,