15 March 2016 | Comments
Yesterday, Monday 14 March 2016, was Commonwealth Day – a day when the 53 member nations of the Commonwealth took part in Commonwealth activities focused around the theme ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’.
On St Helena, special Commonwealth Day Assemblies were held in each school, with the main celebrations taking place at SHAPE, Sandy Bay (pictured). Here, a special ceremony was attended by His Excellency Governor Capes, members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) St Helena Branch, students from all four schools, SHAPE workers and volunteers, clients from the CCC and other guests.
SHAPE member of staff, Sarah Dalton, welcomed everyone and said:
“We are delighted to host this year’s Commonwealth Day celebrations with the theme ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’. This gives us the opportunity to showcase the wonderful work that we do and to show you how the disabled and vulnerable can be properly included in our society.”
His Excellency the Governor then read the full Commonwealth Message from Her Majesty the Queen:
“Wherever we live in the Commonwealth, we can always benefit from being open to the ideas and encouragement of those around us. Each of us can also make a positive difference in the lives of others by being willing to contribute and offer support. This is an essential ingredient of belonging to the Commonwealth: the willingness to share, to exchange and to act for the common good. By including others, drawing on collective insights, knowledge and resources, and thinking and working together, we lay the foundations of a harmonious and progressive society.
“The greater the diversity of those included in such a shared enterprise, the greater the gains. Each of us has cause to celebrate the sense of belonging expressed in our 2016 theme: ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’. Our recognition of this value, and the wisdom of mutual respect for each other, is set out in the Commonwealth Charter. Its opening words, “We the people of the Commonwealth” convey the conviction that individuals, as well as governments, build and shape our success.
“Being inclusive and accepting diversity goes far deeper than accepting differences at face value and being tolerant. True celebration of the dignity of each person, and the value of their uniqueness and contribution, involves reaching out, recognising and embracing their individual identity. At the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, there were forums for women, youth, business and civil society. These forums were a place for reflection on how to contribute collectively to achieving positive global change, for which the Commonwealth is widely respected.
“Today, and in the year ahead, the theme ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’ is an inspiration for us all. Let us give it practical effect by supporting those in need and those who feel excluded in all walks of life. By doing so, we will continue to build a truly representative Commonwealth community.”
The ceremony continued with a message from the Commonwealth Secretary General, read by Mrs Cathy Hopkins. The Secretary General’s message included:
“The Commonwealth Charter asserts that everyone is equal and deserves to be treated without regard to their race, age, gender, belief, or other identity. The Commonwealth seeks to build a better world by including and respecting everybody and the richness of their personalities. Sustained progress continues to be made in the Commonwealth through the goodwill, trust and mutual respect that connects us as members of one worldwide family”
The Commonwealth Affirmation was read by Dotty Peters (pictured), followed by the raising of the Commonwealth Flag by Perry Vanguard. The Honourable Brian Isaac then gave a short speech on ‘Inclusion in St Helena’.
In her closing remarks, Chairperson of the SHAPE Board, Jill Annetts, gave an overview of what SHAPE is all about. Jill thanked everyone for attending, especially the workers and volunteers, with a special thank you to all those who have contributed to SHAPE.
In the UK, St Helena also took part in an Inclusive Commonwealth, with student Lisa Joshua representing the Island at the Commonwealth Day events held in London. Kedell Worboys OBE, St Helena Government UK Representative, attended the Commonwealth Day Observance at Westminster Abbey.
SHG
15 March 2016
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