Antigua and Barbuda joined 56 nations across the Commonwealth in marking Commonwealth Day, with the traditional Commonwealth parade and ceremony centred on the theme of unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth.

The observance opened with a welcome address that framed the day’s theme around the importance of collective action, noting that prosperity cannot be achieved in isolation.

Commonwealth Day celebrations (photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

The day’s celebration saw performances from the St Joseph’s Academy Glee Club, remarks from CHOGM logo designer Chaniel Imhoff and a pan performance.

Chaniel Imhoff, CHOGM logo designer (photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

Political and Projects Officer at the British High Commission, Kadeem Joseph delivered a poem that highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s voice within the wider Commonwealth.

“Today, from a small island in the Caribbean Sea, our voices travel farther than the tide. Across continents, across histories, across 56 nations that together make the Commonwealth,” he said.

Kadeem Joseph, Political and Projects Officer at the British High Commission, (photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

Joseph drew on themes of resilience and national character, arguing that “greatness has never been measured by the size of the country” but measured by the “capacity to rise.”

The Governor General’s Deputy Sir Clare Roberts read out an address from King Charles who said the Commonwealth can be a force for unity in a “fragmented world”.

Sir Clare Roberts, Deputy Governor General (photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)

“Our Commonwealth of Nations holds untapped potential for prosperous trade between trusting partners. With nearly two-thirds of our population under the age of thirty, we are a family defined by youth and possibility.

“It is our shared responsibility to ensure that they inherit not only hope and ambition, but also a world in which they can flourish,” Sir Clare said. “What distinguishes the Commonwealth is not only what our governments resolve together, but what our people do each day in countless acts of service, enterprise and creativity. When leaders meet, they do so on behalf of millions whose quiet determination, resilience and generosity give true meaning to our shared endeavour.”

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