Barbados Marks Commonwealth Day

Tuesday 11, March-2003

Prime Minister Owen Arthur leavingCalvary Moravian Church after the service held to celebrate Commonwealth Day.
Fifty-four flags, representing all member countries of the Commonwealth, flew brightly and colourfully while dozens of uniformed schoolchildren beamed with excitement.

A clergyman and a woman bedecked in beautiful black robes complemented another male priest robed in white.

The occasion was Commonwealth Day, observed yesterday with a multi-faith service at Calvary Moravian Church.

The congregation included Governor-General Sir Clifford Husbands, Prime Minister Owen Arthur, senior Government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.

The colourful ceremony began with a 14-member, flag-bearing guard of honour mounted by the Barbados Defence Force.

At 9:30 a.m. when all were seated, a fanfare sounded, heralding the arrival of the Governor-General.

That officially started the service, and for the next hour, the congregation sang hymns, recited affirmations and heard readings from the Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Baha’i and Jewish faiths. The Holy Books included The Bible and The Torah.

Students of St Winifred’s, led by teacher Michelle Cumberbatch, presented an anthem called One Sing, which gave way to a recital of the National Pledge and the singing of the National Anthem.

Roman Catholic Vicar General, Father Clement Paul, preached the sermon while Sirlifford delivered the Queen’s message.

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