Embracing unity in diversity

Mutual respect – that’s what Barbados’ Anglican Bishop Michael Maxwell is encouraging the Governments of countries in the Commonwealth to have for each other if a “connected Commonwealth” is to be achieved.

The Bishop made this call this morning at the Multi-Faith Observance for Commonwealth Day, organised by the Barbados branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society, marking the 70th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth, at The Cathedral Church of St Michael and All Angels, St Michael’s Row, The City.

He said Commonwealth countries must also be willing to accept differences of opinion, embrace unity in the midst of the diversity of cultures, and to cast aside arrogance and superiority.

“When one nation suffers, we all should feel its pain, and we should seek to rally support in assisting that fallen nation, to rise again. When one nation achieves great things, we shall celebrate in success, and be encouraged to do likewise, by following its example. As a Commonwealth, our connectivity is to be such that we rejoice with those who rejoice, and we weep with those who weep.

“That is the depth of the divine love that we are this day declaring to be, as it should be, the modus operandi for our Commonwealth of nations; that we are “A connected Commonwealth”, united in love to help each other to be the best that our Creator designed us to be.

“May the blessings of God Almighty be upon us this day as we celebrate our connectivity as Commonwealth within this region. A connected people, of connected nations, of connected values, in a connected world,” Bishop Maxwell said.

Governor General Dame Sandra Mason attended the event where there were prayers by representatives of multi-faith groups.

The Commonwealth Association for the Ageing collated the untold real-life stories of 50 elders from across the Commonwealth as written by 50 youths and published the stories in a book titled A Common Wealth of Experience.

Today, The Royal Commonwealth Society, Barbados branch, presented copies of the book to Her Excellency Dame Sandra, the five Barbadian elders whose life stories were featured in the book, and to the five Barbadian young people who met with the elders and wrote the life stories.

Harold Clarke, Dame Aviscene Carrington, Sir Everton Weekes, Ada Straughn, and Dame Mazie Barker-Welch, received their copies.

The Barbados Postal Service launched a Commonwealth Stamp Issue titled The 150th Anniversary of the Royal Commonwealth Society in recognition of the work of the Royal Commonwealth Society and its Barbados branch.

The Commemorative Stamp Issue was presented to Dame Sandra and Chairperson of The Royal Commonwealth Society, Barbados Branch.

The Parade of Commonwealth Flags was held immediately after the service. (AH)