The Royal Commonwealth Society : Commonwealth Day Celebrations

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The celebration of Commonwealth Day 2009 around the world

In addition to the Commonwealth Day Observance in London, members of the Council of Commonwealth Societies, RCS branches and affiliated societies contributed in various ways to the holding of Commonwealth Day celebrations around the world. These are set out below:

(To download a copy of this report, click here.)

AFRICA

Cameroon

Royal Commonwealth Society of Cameroon
The RCS of Cameroon celebrated Commonwealth Day at the Government Bilingual Teacher Training College in Meme Division. The first part of the Celebration comprised a welcome speech from the President of the branch followed by the reading of HM The Queen's Message and the Affirmations and a colourful display of local dancing. The second part consisted of a training course on interactive leadership for 30 young students.

University of Yaounde Commonwealth Society
The University of Yaounde celebrated Commonwealth Day on the 11 March with the reading of HM The Queen's Message, the reading of the Commonwealth Secretary-General's Message, Choral Music by the University Choir, sketches, poetry dramatisation, and dancing. They also staged a roundtable conference on "The Commonwealth @ 60: serving a new generation". The event was widely covered by the local media. Present were the UK High Commissioner, the South African High Commissioner, the Nigerian High Commissioner, representatives of the Minister of External Relations, the Minister of Higher Education, the British Council, various senior and other academics.

Mauritius
As in previous years, Commonwealth Day was celebrated at the National Final of the English Speaking Union's Public Speaking Competition held on the 18 March. Representatives of some of the Commonwealth High Commissions in Mauritius were present. HM The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message was read out by Sir Victor Glover, the RCS Honorary Representative in Mauritius and the six Affirmations were read out by Miss Rakshita Vandanna Mungur, winner of the 2008 Public Speaking Competition.

Mozambique
The UK High Commission wrote an article on the Commonwealth which was signed by the resident High Commissioners and published in the local media.

Nigeria

Commonwealth Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYO of Nigeria)
The National Co-ordinator, Mr Blackson Olaseni Bayewumi, was a guest speaker on the theme "Commonwealth at 60: Empowering Young People for Sustainable Development" at an event organised by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The event was also addressed by the Vice President of Nigeria. Government officials and members of the International Community were present and the event was reported by all the local media. Mr Bayewumi also gave an interview to the Nigerian Television Authority which was shown nationwide. On the following Thursday, the CYO of Nigeria held a celebration involving several schools in Lagos. This event was also reported in the local media.

South Africa
The UK High Commission organised a multi-faith Commonwealth service in Cape Town. Prominent members of the government, civil society and the diplomatic community were invited. The UK High Commissioner read HM The Queen's Message. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs representing the South African Government read a message about the importance of the Commonwealth at 60. A choir from a local school sang at the service and at the subsequent reception. At the reception, members of the South African government and other leading figures discussed the strength of the Commonwealth and how the Commonwealth can respond to the challenge of climate change.

Tanzania
The RCS Honorary Representative, Sir Andy Chande, has reported that celebrations began during the weekend of the 28th February with a school sports day. Essay and Quiz competitions were also organised. All these events were covered by the local media. On Commonwealth Day there was a cultural and musical program at a local school where HM The Queen's Message and the six affirmations were read. The Deputy Minister for Education and Vocational Training then addressed the 1,500 guests who included High Commissioners, Ambassadors, parents, students and Heads of Schools. The Deputy Minister presented prizes to the best performers from the weekend activities. This event was followed by a reception jointly hosted by Sir Andy and the South African High Commission and addressed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation. Among those present were Cabinet Ministers, High Commissioners, Ambassadors and representatives of the UN and the EU.

Uganda
A celebration funded by the Government of Uganda and co-organised by the Commonwealth Peoples' Association of Uganda took the form of a procession involving ten schools from the Kampala area. The Procession started from the centre of Kampala and went to the Hotel Africana where it was addressed by the UK High Commissioner who read HM The Queen's Message. A speech written by the Minister of Foreign Affairs was also read. In it he emphasized the work of the Commonwealth through the Youth Centre in Northern Uganda that aims at empowering young people through employment and positive living.

ASIA

Bangladesh

Commonwealth Cultural Society of Bangladesh (CCSB)
The CCSB held a celebration at a rally at a rural location with many children present and at which Commonwealth Day posters and a banner were displayed.

Commonwealth Society of Bangladesh (CSB)
The CSB celebrated Commonwealth Day with a seminar at the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute chaired by Ambassador Farooq Sobhan and a key-note speech from Dr Mizanur Rahman Shelly, a senior columnist, author and former Minister of Education. A speech drafted by the minister of Foreign Affairs was read by the CSB Vice-President. The event was attended by diplomats from the UK, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan, media personalities, journalists, members of the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry and members of the CSB.

India

Commonwealth Students' Welfare Group of India
The Group held a Commonwealth Day celebration in the presence of a local politician and local schoolchildren. HM The Queen's Message was read and prayers said.

Malaysia
The RCS Malaysia branch hosted a celebration at the Balai TAR where the UK High Commissioner read HM The Queen's Message. There was a performance by students from Sri Cempaka Schools and a dance performance by students from ACT school of performing arts. Winners from the Commonwealth Essay Competition 2008 were honoured and Honorary Memberships of the RCS Malaysia were conferred on six new Commonwealth High Commissioners to Malaysia.

Sri Lanka
The RCS Sri Lanka held its celebration at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo in the presence of the High Commissioners of Commonwealth countries represented in Sri Lanka, and some 150 members and guests. The UK High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, HE Dr Peter Hayes read HM The Queen's Message. RCS Sri Lanka President, Mr Frederick Medis spoke about future plans in the Society's programmes regarding youth in society and efforts to guide them to become successful leaders of the future. Dr Chris Nonis, Deputy Chairman of the RCS and Council Member of RCS Sri Lanka, spoke about the meaning of the Commonwealth Day 09 theme. Mr Sam Wijesinha reviewed the RCS Sri Lanka branch's past activities. A Souvenir was released to mark the branch's 60th Anniversary. Toasts to HM The Queen and the President of Sri Lanka were proposed and the celebration concluded with music and dancing.

CANADA

Edmonton
Edmonton Branch celebrated Commonwealth Day by publicizing the Commonwealth Essay Competition and holding a Sherry Reception in the Jefferson Armoury Officer's Mess with local dignitaries present. They also publicised the RCS in the Alberta Legislature.

Manitoba
The Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba hosted a reception at Government House for members of the Manitoba branch of the RCS. In his speech the Lieutenant-Governor stressed the need to capture the interest of youth to advance Commonwealth principles and growth. The branch took the opportunity to publicise the Commonwealth Essay Competition.

Montreal
The RCS Montreal branch held a Commonwealth Day Dinner at the Black Watch Armoury with the UK Consul-General as guest speaker.

Newfoundland & Labrador
Commonwealth Day was marked by a service at the Anglican Cathedral of St John the Baptist at which the Lieutenant-Governor of Newfoundland & Labrador read HM The Queen's Message. Representatives of the Baha'i, Muslim and Hindu Faiths were present. Cadets from the 510 Lions Royal Canadian Air Squadron paraded the Commonwealth, Canadian, UK and Indian flags and the flags of all other Commonwealth Countries were displayed around the walls of the Cathedral. The service was publicised by a local radio station and a local newspaper.

Nova Scotia
The branch celebrated Commonwealth Day by attending an Evensong Service on Sunday 8 March at the St George round Church followed by their Annual Dinner on Monday 9 March. On both occasions the Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia read HM The Queen's Message.

Ottawa
The branch held its Observance over two days. There was an Inter-Faith Service on Sunday March 8th at Knox Church, Ottawa with several Commonwealth High Commissioners present and former Senator, Landon Pearson, reading HM The Queen's message. This was followed by a reception on Commonwealth Day in the Parliament Buildings hosted by the Chair of the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Prince Edward Island
Commonwealth Day began with the raising of the Commonwealth Day flag. Then at noon the branch Vice-President, Mr Wendell Dawson, was the keynote speaker at the Charlottetown Rotary Club, giving a comprehensive overview of where the Commonwealth is today. In the evening there was a service at Trinity United Church at which the lieutenant-Governor of Prince Edward Island read HM The Queen's Messages the names of all Commonwealth Countries were read out and the flags of all Commonwealth Countries were unfurled around the balcony of the church. Following the service there was a display of foods from several Commonwealth countries prepared by students from the Culinary Institute of Canada.

Saskatchewan
The branch celebrated Commonwealth Day by publicising the Commonwealth Essay Competition through the Office of the Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly and awarding local prizes. On Commonwealth Day the two local winners and their parents and teachers were introduced to the Assembly. The Speaker then read HM The Queen's Message. There then followed tea in the Speaker's Office where the Speaker and the President of RCS Saskatchewan presented the prizes. The Commonwealth flag was flown on the exterior of the Legislative Building and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association flag inside. The nearby Albert Bridge was decorated with the Canadian and Saskatchewan flags and the Union Jack.

Toronto
As usual the branch held its 'Commonwealth Observance' in St Paul's Anglican Church on Sunday 8 March. Among the several hundred persons present were representatives from seven Commonwealth Countries' consulates in Toronto. The Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario read HM The Queen's Message and met members of the congregation afterwards. The branch arranged for the Church bulletin to include two pages on the RCS and our objectives.

Vancouver
Vancouver branch held its Observance on Sunday 15 March in conjunction with the University of British Columbia's Commonwealth Club at the University's International House. Song and dance from the Commonwealth were very much in evidence. Young people and representatives from some of the branch's partner organisations were very prominent also. The celebration finished with the reading of HM The Queen's Message.

Vancouver Island
Members of Vancouver Island branch and other organisations attended a celebration at Government House hosted by the Lieutenant-Governor.

EUROPE/MEDITTEREAN

United Kingdom
One of the largest celebrations took place in London at the multi-faith Observance in Westminster Abbey. This was attended by HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and other senior political figures. Young people from each of the member countries began proceedings with a procession of Commonwealth flags, followed by The Queen reading her Message and then readings from each of the major faiths of the Commonwealth. There was music and dance reflecting the rich culture of the modern Commonwealth and congratulatory messages from leading Commonwealth figures. In his message, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, HE Mr Kamalesh Sharma, highlighted the importance of listening to and including the young in decisions which will impact on their future. Lord Malloch Brown, the Minister responsible for the Commonwealth, opened a workshop jointly organised by the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council and the RCS on the theme 'Young People and the Commonwealth'. This was attended by 60 young people.

Bath
The Branch Chairman and his wife attended the Commonwealth Day Observance in Westminster Abbey. On Sunday 08 March the branch arranged for the Affirmations to be read out and for the Commonwealth to be mentioned at the 11.00am service in Bath Abbey. Then on Thursday 12 March the branch held its AGM and celebrated Commonwealth Day with the reading of HM The Queen's Message and of the Affirmations. A talk on farm economic management in Kenya was given by a gap year student the branch had sponsored, followed by a finger buffet. The Branch Patron, the Mayor of Bath, was represented at the proceedings.

Bristol
Bristol branch celebrated Commonwealth Day in its usual way by attending Matins at the Lord Mayor's Chapel at which students read the lessons. After the Service there was a luncheon for members at Commonwealth House, Bristol in the presence of the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress and Canon Rogan who had taken the Service.

Oxford
Oxford Branch celebrated Commonwealth Day with an event in the Lord Mayor's Parlour. Members were welcomed by the Lord Mayor and the proceedings were formerly opened by the Branch President, Dr Colin Bundy, Principal of Green Templeton College. HM The Queen's Message was read by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Mr Robin Birch, and members joined in the Affirmations. There followed a reception organised by members of the branch.

Scotland
Members of RCS (Scotland) attended a Commonwealth Day Reception at the Scottish Parliament. They also attended various events throughout Commonwealth Week at the Royal Overseas League in Edinburgh.

Wales
Members of the branch joined with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association for a celebration at the Welsh National Assembly.

Channel Islands

Guernsey
Guernsey branch celebrated Commonwealth Day for the first time. The branch organised a reception hosted by the Bailiff of Guernsey, Mr Geoffrey Rowland and his wife in the Royal Court. There were over 100 guests, all Commonwealth citizens residing in Guernsey, representing some 14 nationalities.

Jersey
The branch celebrated Commonwealth Day with an evening Reception at La Societe Jersiaise (Jersey's learned society) hosted by Immediate Past President, Ian Philpott, with HE the Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey, Lt-Gen. Andrew Ridgway, CB CBE, and his wife as Guests of Honour. The Lt-Governor read HM The Queen's Message and proposed the Loyal Toast. Members were joined by students whose essays had been adjudged commended or highly commended in the Commonwealth Essay Competition and their parents. The celebration was reported in the local media.

PACIFIC

Australia

ACT
More than 250 people attended a Multi-Faith Celebration at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. HM The Queen's Message and a message from the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, were read followed by readings by representatives of the Buddhist, Jewish, Baha'i, Christian, Muslim, Sikh and Jain faiths and the six Affirmations. There were performances of song and dance by the Maori, Indian, Tongan and Chinese communities as well as the Wooden Valley Youth Choir. Scouts ACT carried the flags in a ceremonial role during the procession. The celebration was reported in The Canberra Times. There followed a Commonwealth Day Dinner at University House ANU.

New South Wales
Members joined the Commonwealth Day Council at a luncheon in Parliament House where the Governor of New South Wales was chief guest. Many schoolchildren participating in the finals of a debating contest were also present.

Northern Tasmania
The branch celebrated Commonwealth Day with a luncheon at which HM The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message was read and a giant black forest gateau decorated with "The Commonwealth @ 60" was enjoyed.

Northern Territory
The branch held a Commonwealth Day Dinner at which HM The Queen's Message was read by the Hon. Austin Asche.

Queensland
A Multi-Faith Observance was held in St Stephen's Catholic Cathedral, Brisbane in the presence of HE the Governor of Queensland. The Dean officiated. The Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities were represented. A number of VIPs and students attended and local schoolchildren participated in the Observance.

South Australia
The Joint Commonwealth Societies held a celebration at Pulteney Grammar School on Monday 16 March at which the Governor's wife, Mrs Liz Scarce was guest of honour and at which HM The Queen's Message was read out. There was also a function at Adelaide Town Hall on Friday 06 March hosted by the Lord Mayor at which the President of the Joint Commonwealth Societies read out the Queen's Message.

Southern Tasmania
An Observance was held in the Catholic Cathedral of St Mary's in the presence of the Governor of Tasmania, HE The honourable Peter Underwood AO, who read HM The Queen's Message to which a pupil from a local school responded. The response was handed to the Governor to be forwarded to Her Majesty. One of the essays from the Commonwealth Essay Competition was read by the Branch President, Mr Marcus Laycock and there was a drumming exhibition by a refugee/immigrant from the Congo. About 200-300 pupils from local schools attended. Also present were various local dignitaries and representatives of the armed forces.

Victoria
The Victoria Council of British and Commonwealth Societies held a Commonwealth Day Reception on the 5th March at which a Loyal Toast to HM The Queen was given and the new Deputy British Consul-General spoke. The branch then held a Commonwealth Day Dinner on the 12th March at which a Commonwealth Day pack was distributed that contained the poster, HM The Queen's Message, the Affirmations and an article on the Commonwealth from the Melbourne Age newspaper.

Western Australia
A Multi-Faith Commonwealth Observance was held in St George's Cathedral, Perth on Sunday 08 March followed by a Youth Rally on Commonwealth Day itself. The Governor of Western Australia, HE Dr Ken Michael was present at both events. Representatives of the various faiths offered prayers and the Archbishop of Perth gave the Blessing in Sinhalese, Tamil and English. Students from a number of Senior High Schools in the Perth area attended both events. The Youth Rally included contributions from the Perth College/Guildford Grammar School Concert Band, the Scotch College Pipe Band and the Wembley Primary School Senior Choir. The Governor read a message for the Youth of Western Australia. A message from the Youth of Western Australia was also read. Miss Rosie Sitorus, an Nkabom participant, gave an address about her experiences at the RCS IM 2008.

NEW ZEALAND

Auckland
A Commonwealth Day Service was held in Holy Trinity Cathedral. It was attended by a large congregation which included members of the Commonwealth Consular Corps as well as Defence and Cadet Force representatives. The flags of the Commonwealth countries were paraded into the Cathedral. The band of the New Zealand Navy played before the ceremony and accompanied the congregational singing. The Auckland Girls Choir sang during the service. HM The Queen's Message was read by the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, the Rt.-Hon. Don McKinnon.

Canterbury
As usual the branch joined with other societies for a church service at which the Honourable Justice William Young gave an address on the Commonwealth theme and HM The Queen's Message was read. Sea Cadets, Girl Guides and local schoolchildren paraded the flags of the Commonwealth countries.

Otago
The branch joined with the Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship for a service at St Paul's Cathedral to mark both Commonwealth Day and the 60th Anniversary of the Commonwealth. The New Zealand and Commonwealth flags were displayed and the Queen's Message was read by the President of the Victoria League. The mayor of Dunedin read verses from Lamentations 3 in the Bible and the Affirmations were read by the Bishop and responded to by the congregation. An address was given by Professor Andrew Bradstock, Professor of Theology and Public Issues, University of Otago on the subject of "Hope, key to a changing world". The address and excerpts of the service and The Queen's Message were reported in the local newspaper. Afterwards The Victoria League held a well-attended Commonwealth Day luncheon.

Wellington
Celebrations began with a luncheon for 130 Rotarians at which the Governor-General, HE Sir Anand Satyanand spoke. This was followed by a Multi-Faith Observance at Wellington Cathedral attended by the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and Commonwealth diplomats. The Prime Minister delivered his own Message and the Governor-General read The Queen's Message.

The reception that followed celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the Commonwealth and was addressed by The Leader of the Opposition. Also participating was the former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Sir Don McKinnon, who cut a special cake. The Commonwealth Secretary-General's message was relayed on a big screen at the Reception.

The Chief Justice, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party and other leading figures from politics and the armed services also participated in all the events as did a group of 30 high level officials from 16 Commonwealth countries and territories who were in Wellington to participate in a two week Commonwealth Advanced Seminar.

CARIBBEAN

Barbados
The RCS Barbados branch has reported that celebrations began with a cocktail reception on the 26 February attended by the UK High Commissioner and his wife, the Honorary Indian and Bahamas Consuls and a representative of the Canadian High Commission together with a number of citizens of Commonwealth Countries resident in Barbados.

On Commonwealth Day, a Multi-Faith Observance was held at James Street Methodist Church, Bridgetown. The service was conducted by local clergy. The Girl Guides Association of Barbados carried the flags of the Caribbean members of the Commonwealth in procession. The meditation was delivered by branch member, Mr David Clarke, LVO, the Regional Director of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Association for the Americas. The Queen's Message was read by the Governor-General and Branch Patron, HE Sir Clifford Husbands. About 400 persons attended including many students from local schools and representatives of the UK High Commission, the Organisation of American States and the United Nations Development Fund. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, The Hon. Patrick Todd, MP, also attended. Both local newspapers covered the event.

Subsequently the branch held its Annual Commonwealth Luncheon at the Barbados Yacht Club at which Dr Trevor Carmichael, QC, one of the founding members of the branch, gave the address.

British Virgin Islands
The Premier's office distributed HM The Queen's Message. Events focussing on the Message were arranged and included a parade and dancing by local schoolchildren followed by a Sports Day.

Cayman Islands
The RCS Honorary Representative in the Cayman Islands, the Honourable Justice Charles Quin, QC helped arrange a Commonwealth Day Service hosted by Archdeacon Hollis Peter Lynch of St George's Anglican Church and the Revd. Mary Graham. The Service was attended by the Governor of the Cayman Islands, HE Mr Stuart Jack, CVO who read HM The Queen's Message and Mrs Jack, the Chief Justice and his wife as well as representatives of local schools and youth organisations. HM The Queen's Message was distributed to local schools who were encouraged to read the Message at morning assembly on Commonwealth Day.

Jamaica
Commonwealth Day was celebrated at Kings House, Jamaica where the Governor-General read HM The Queen's Message and the Chairman of the RCS of Jamaica gave a toast in the presence of students and a teacher from a local school, Commonwealth diplomats and other dignitaries. The flags of the Commonwealth countries were displayed along with information about the Commonwealth and the RCS. The event was reported in the local media.

CELEBRATIONS IN NON-COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES

Dominican Republic
The Round Table of the Commonwealth Countries in the Dominican Republic celebrated Commonwealth Day with a cocktail party at the residence of the UK Ambassador attended by various diplomatic representatives and representatives from business and commerce. The UK Ambassador read HM The Queen's Message and the President of the Round Table spoke about the opportunities that the celebration of the Commonwealth's 60th Anniversary offered.

Hong Kong
The RCS in Hong Kong hosted a 'Commonwealth Celebration' at the Hong Kong Club. Members of the Consular Service and the Royal Overseas League were invited. Among those present were Consuls from the UK, India, South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Australia. The UK Consul-General, Mr Andrew Seaton, read HM The Queen's Message. Toasts were proposed to the Peoples Republic of China and HM The Queen. A quartet of former students from the Academy for Performing Arts played and Commonwealth Day posters, the RCS flag and a photograph of HM The Queen were on display.

Italy
The newly-affiliated Commonwealth Club of Rome celebrated Commonwealth Day with a lunch attended by members and friends of the Club including the Deputy Head of mission at the New Zealand Embassy. The Club Treasurer read HM The Queen's Message and the founder of the Malawi Orphan Trust Fund gave a presentation about this registered charity which the Club has decided to support.

Japan
Mr David Syrad, the RCS Honorary Representative, circulated HM The Queen's Message to the various relevant groups.

Saudi Arabia
The UK Ambassador hosted a lunch for Commonwealth Heads of Mission and read HM The Queen's Message and used the occasion to launch the Riyadh Chapter of the Royal Overseas League. The occasion will be reported in the Embassy magazine "Kingdom to Kingdom" which is distributed to over 1000 leaders and opinion formers in Saudi Arabia.

United States of America
Sir Anthony Collins, UK Consul-General in New York, hosted a commonwealth Day lunch attended by diplomats from other Commonwealth countries as well as members of the St George's Society. The Society gives scholarships and other aid to Commonwealth nationals in New York and is looking to expand its work.

Prepared by John Sutherland
Royal Commonwealth Society
May 2009