British High Commissioner Fraser Wheeler on Tuesday told Marian Academy students that Commonwealth Day is about recognising that we are all a part of a family of nations committed to equality, justice and democracy.
A press release said Wheeler addressed the more than 700 students as part of Commonwealth Day activities which is being observed, this year, under the theme ‘Respecting difference, promoting understanding’. Wheeler told the students that there are 53 countries spread throughout Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, North America and the Pacific with a population of more than 2 billion people and, in a divided world where shared principles acquire increased importance, a diverse organisation based on common values is an effective means of restoring global differences.
Wheeler congratulated the school for recognising the day and encouraged the students to describe to one another their experiences in other Commonwealth countries and to find out about the different cultures of the Commonwealth. The observances started with a procession of flags of the Commonwealth states that the students drew and coloured. Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon’s message was read by student Meshach Pierre. The release said every Commonwealth member state plans activities to highlight its aspirations and achievements. Commonwealth Day is observed annually on the second Monday of March.
