Antigua and Barbuda is observing Commonwealth Day today, Monday, March 9, with a series of activities locally and abroad, as the country continues preparations to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) later this year.

Events are taking place across the twin-island nation while a delegation representing Antigua and Barbuda is participating in official celebrations in London.

Among those attending events in the United Kingdom are Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams, Minister of Foreign Affairs E.P. Chet Greene, and Antigua and Barbuda’s CHOGM Envoy Sir Vivian Richards.

Local observances began on Sunday with a Service of Thanksgiving at the Sawcolts Methodist Church. The service brought together representatives from government, diplomatic missions, youth organisations, the uniformed services and the wider community in a moment of reflection and prayer for the Commonwealth and the country’s role within it.

Those present included Governor General’s Deputy Sir Clare Roberts and Lady Roberts, United Kingdom High Commission representative John Hamilton, members of the legendary Burning Flames band—Sir Clarence “Oungku” Edwards, Sir Toriano Edwards, and Sir David Edwards—along with members of the Antigua and Barbuda Ex-Servicemen Association, the Boys Brigade, and Chair of the Commonwealth Day Planning Committee Paula Hunte. Staff from Government House and congregants of the Sawcolts Methodist Church also attended the service.

Members of the legendary Burning Flames band celebrates Commonwealth Day

Today’s programme of activities begins with the Commonwealth Youth FLOE On The Go initiative—an acronym for Future Leaders Opportunities Experience. The programme will see representatives from various organisations visiting selected schools to deliver short presentations on the Commonwealth, the upcoming CHOGM summit, and guidance for successful living. At some schools, principals will also read a special message from the Governor General’s Deputy.

One of the major highlights of the day will be the Commonwealth Day Street Parade, scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. The parade will start at the former Culture Building on Parliament Drive and make its way to the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG).

Organisers expect more than 300 participants, including students from primary and secondary schools as well as members of the uniformed and paramilitary services.

Following the parade, a cultural programme will take place at the ARG, showcasing the talents of Antiguan and Barbudan youth and celebrating local traditions and identity within the wider Commonwealth community.

The ceremony will conclude with the reading of the Commonwealth Day message from His Majesty King Charles III, which will be delivered locally by the Governor General’s Deputy while the Governor General participates in official Commonwealth events in London.

As part of this year’s celebrations, the Commonwealth Day Committee will also launch a new mobile application aimed at engaging students in Commonwealth-related activities throughout the year.
Meanwhile, in London, Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation will attend the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey followed by a reception at St. James’s Palace.

In a symbolic gesture promoting the upcoming CHOGM summit in St. John’s, Sir Vivian Richards has signed several cricket bats that will be presented as commemorative gifts to key officials attending the celebrations. King Charles III is among those expected to receive one of the signed bats from the legendary West Indies cricketer.