Min of Education official calls for greater appreciation for Commonwealth

Chandler Hyacinth addressing Commonwealth Day Ecumenical Service

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Chandler Hyacinth has stressed the importance of building an appreciation for the Commonwealth and what it stands for.

Hyacinth made her observation while delivering remarks at an annual Ecumenical Service at St. Gerard’s Hall to mark the observance of Commonwealth Day on Monday.

Commonwealth Day is the day when Commonwealth countries, which account for over 2.1 billion people in the world, acknowledge their common bonds and the contribution of the Commonwealth of Nations to the creation of a harmonious, global environment.

It is a time when the these countries celebrate a union built on shared values and a history committed to the promotion and exchange of experience, knowledge and ideas to the benefit of all nations.

“I think it is important for you to begin to build an appreciation for the Commonwealth and what it stands for,” Hyacinth said…“We believe there are mutual benefits available to us as part of the Commonwealth.”

According to her, perhaps even more significant for the young audience is the fact that the Commonwealth Day is a nod to our rich and varied history.

“A history which must never be forgotten as our societies become more and more advanced,” Hyacinth stated. “It is a history we want you to be aware of as you forge a place for yourself in the world.”

She encouraged young people to see themselves as an important part of this vision “for even as smaller islanders you can make your mark in the world.”

Hyacinth pointed out, “There is no better example of this truth than the current Secretary General of the Commonwealth (Baroness Patricia Scotland) a Dominican who has shown us that no dream is too big to achieve,” 

She said the celebrations therefore, gives persons the opportunity, to reflect on the ways we can empower our youth to become responsible and successful Commonwealth citizens.

“Citizens who are inspired to participate, citizens who can think outside of the boundaries of their small islands,” she noted.

Hyacinth urged everyone to continue to embrace the values of the Commonwealth for the good of Dominicans and the country.

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6 Comments

  1. Lord help this nation
    March 13, 2019

    According to her, perhaps even more significant for the young audience is the fact that the Commonwealth Day is a nod to our rich and varied history.

    “A history which must never be forgotten as our societies become more and more advanced,” Hyacinth stated. “It is a history we want you to be aware of as you forge a place for yourself in the world.”

    Excuse me but, How can we forget something we never knew? Our nation’s history is not taught in schools on this island. We are taught about the Amerindians who came here, we are taught about the Columbus who murdered and raped so many of our people, we are not taught anything about the true history of our people, the fight for emancipation from slavery, the people of the Kallinago who fight to this day has had their history ignored and even the maroons have been forgotten except for one day a year. In this day and age we need to know

  2. blessed
    March 12, 2019

    tell chandler she needs to stop press people children and trow people children letters in wast basket is them so making the pm look bad wicked set of people. all you can get scholarship for u all people but block other people children

  3. March 12, 2019

    As a British Citizen, and by extension a Commonwealth Citizen, and as someone who has known and loved Dominica for almost fifty years; I wish I could feel positive about Baroness Scotland’s tenure as Secretary General of the Commonwealth, but sadly I cannot.

  4. Samuel Cockburn & sons Alias-%
    March 12, 2019

    Houston Tx look out the Leader of the opposition Hon: Lennox Local Larry King”Linton with suspenders and all will be addressing the Houston Diaspora on REAL CHANGE townhall March 15-20-19.
    Those diasporans wishing to have their CRABBACKS should place their orders now. The season is open and Larry King is coming. Remember “Have no fear UWP is coming” ? We came a little prematurely. She was not impressed so UWP should not expect to get in ever again.

  5. dissident
    March 12, 2019

    Good for you.
    Honestly i didn’t even realize it was Commonwealth Day!!!
    A few years ago there was big fanfare over the new secretary-general of the commonwealth.
    Although Miss Scotland didn’t get de nod of the majority of CARICOM heads…….she is Dominican by birth but she lambasted and insulted citizens on island that didn’t give her de nod.

    Why such a silence of de Secretary General since Tropical Storm Erica?
    Miss Scotland was named by our PM to be de official lobbying for funds for our recovery efforts.

    It’s a couple years now I have not heard a word from her ……..i am aware of certain court cases against her and de convictions…….why aren’t we not making the public aware of it???????

    This is a classic reason why you permanent secretary have noticed a lack of recognition and respect for matters involving Commonwealth and what it stands for!!!!!!!!

    De individual that sullied it’s name or de leader needs to apologize to Dominicans for insulting us!!!!!

  6. UKDominican
    March 12, 2019

    Chandler, my apologies. I thought we had forgotten about Commonwealth day in our country but why it had to be celebrated with an ecumenical service I do not understand. The Commonwealth is all inclusive you know, regardless of religion.

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