Commonwealth Day 2025 Celebrations in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda will join the global family of nations in celebrating Commonwealth Day 2025 on Monday, March 10, 2025, under the theme “Together We Thrive.”

This year’s observance will feature a Church Service, Commonwealth Day Youth FLOE (Future Leaders Opportunities Experience) engaging students across the nation, a grand street parade, a Commonwealth Flag Raising Ceremony, and the reading of a message from the Sovereign, all designed to highlight the Commonwealth’s enduring values of unity, collaboration, and shared prosperity.

This year’s theme, “Together We Thrive,” celebrates the spirit of the Commonwealth’s 56 independent member states, which are united by shared values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.

Rooted in the principles of family, unity, and peace, the theme underscores the significance of building strong and interconnected communities that empower their members and foster meaningful progress.

The celebrations will commence with a Commonwealth Day Church Service on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. at Spring Gardens Moravian Church, St. John’s Street.

The service will bring together government officials, representatives from Commonwealth organizations, students, and members of civil society in an act of thanksgiving. Special invitations have been extended to National Honourees to attend the Church Service.

The morning’s activities will begin with Commonwealth Day Youth FLOE on the Go, taking place at intervals between 8:00 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.

Representatives from youth-based and Commonwealth organizations will visit a total of twelve primary and secondary schools across Antigua and Barbuda to engage students in discussions on the Commonwealth’s mission, essential skills for success and the value of participating in volunteer organizations.

In addition to distinguished local speakers from the British High Commission and civil society, the event will once again feature special guests, Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Shilson from the United Kingdom.

Mr. Shilson, a business consultant and senior member of the St John Ambulance, a humanitarian organization, previously served as an Assistant Private Secretary to Her Late Majesty The Queen.

Following the school engagements, the Commonwealth Day Parade, organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, will take place at 10:00 a.m.

The parade will commence at the Telephone Exchange on Long Street and proceed to the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG).

The Ex-Servicemen’s Association will lead the parade, proudly carrying the Commonwealth Day Banner.

The parade will feature the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda Band, adding a musical and ceremonial flair to the event.

Ten schools will each be represented by platoons of twelve students, while eight youth-based and civil society organizations will also participate with platoons of twelve.

Upon arrival at the Antigua Recreation Grounds, a Commonwealth Flag Raising Ceremony will take place, followed by the reading of His Majesty The King’s Message by the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda.

The Commonwealth Day 2025 celebrations are being organized by the Commonwealth Day 2025 Planning Committee, which comprises a cross-section of organizations, government ministries, and other key stakeholders. The committee is chaired by Mrs. Paula Frederick-Hunte, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Governor General.

Commonwealth Day serves as an annual reminder of the shared history, cultural ties, and opportunities for cooperation among the 56 member states of the Commonwealth.

This year’s theme emphasizes the power of collaboration, resilience, and innovation in addressing challenges and driving progress.

All members of the public are invited to participate in these celebrations and embrace the values that unite the nations of the Commonwealth.