Today is Commonwealth Day

commonwealth flagsCommonwealth Day is being observed in Dominica today with an ecumenical service at the Arawak House of Culture.

The service is expected to be attended by many government officials, the President of Dominica, Eluid Williams, chairman of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians and Speaker of the House, Alix Boyd Knights, among others.

The theme for Commonwealth Day this year is ‘Opportunity through Enterprise’.

Although there is a certain status to it, Commonwealth Day is not a public holiday in most Commonwealth countries and there is little public awareness of it.

54 nations make up the Commonwealth.

Queen Elizabeth the Second is the head of state of the Commonwealth nations.

Below is a message by the Queen marking Commonwealth Day 2013.

“This year’s Commonwealth theme, ‘Opportunity through Enterprise’, is a celebration of our achievements, particularly those that may have seemed challenging, daunting or even impossible, which have helped to build strength, resilience and pride in our young people, in our communities and in our nations.

Great achievements in human history have a number of common characteristics. From climbing the highest mountain, to winning a sporting competition, making a scientific breakthrough, building a successful business or discovering unique artistic talent – these outcomes all begin as a simple goal or idea in one person’s mind.

We are all born with the desire to learn, to explore, to try new things. And each of us can think of occasions when we have been inspired to do something more efficiently, or to assist others in achieving their full potential. Yet it still takes courage to launch into the unknown. Ambition and curiosity open new avenues of opportunity.

That is what lies at the heart of our Commonwealth approach: individuals and communities  finding ways to strive together to create a better future that is beneficial for all.

Our shared values of peace, democracy, development, justice and human rights – which are found in our new ‘Commonwealth Charter’ – mean that we place special emphasis on including everyone in this goal, especially those who are vulnerable.

I am reminded of the adage, ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’. As we reflect on how the Commonwealth theme applies to us individually, let us think about what can be gained with a bold heart, dedication, and teamwork. And let us bear in mind the great opportunity that is offered by the Commonwealth – of joining with others, stronger together, for the common good.”

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8 Comments

  1. ok
    March 11, 2013

    When I can travel freely to the other 53 nations I will celebrate commonwealth day

  2. Dominican767
    March 11, 2013

    Dominica isn’t actually a commonwealth country, it’s a Republic, so is Trinidad & Tobago. The full name is The Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. Dominica should’ve been and was suppose to be The Republic of Dominica, or Dominica Republic, however, because there’s an nation called Republica Dominicana (in English it’s Dominican Republic), they didn’t want people to get confused (or something like that) and the countries names would’ve been too similar, so they gave Dominica the name ‘Commonwealth of Dominica’, but really it isn’t a commonwealth nation. I could be wrong but I think most of the Caribbean nations are commonwealth countries apart from Dominica & Trinidad and Tobago.

    A little lesson for you all :D

    • Prophet2
      March 12, 2013

      There are Commonwealth Realms (16 total) and just Commonwealth (54 total), Dominica is a commonwealth country.

  3. sphinx
    March 11, 2013

    how come it’s commonwealth day and they don’t share the wealth?and is dominica part of the commonwealth?

    • Gell-O
      March 11, 2013

      @ sphinx, I hope you’re only joking; coz your statement is ignorance at its highest.

      • sphinx
        March 12, 2013

        so you did not know dominica is not part of the commonwealth?who is ignorant?and what is :common wealth?

    • March 12, 2013

      Maybe it’s because you are forming an alliance with communist countries…..

  4. One Love
    March 11, 2013

    8-O

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