For two students from the Isle of Man attending the Observance of Commonwealth Day proceedings in London on March 11th provided a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity.
Katie Danes, 18, from Port St Mary and Faye Devlin, 19, from Onchan were selected by the Executive Committee of the Isle of Man branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) to join around 1000 other young people and share in the CPA Headquarters Secretariat’s Observance of Commonwealth Day celebrations.
The programme included discussions on the Commonwealth and the CPA attended by visiting and UK parliamentarians, followed by attendance at the Observance Day service in Westminster Abbey at which His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh was present, together with all Commonwealth High Commissioners in London. The day concluded with an evening reception at Marlborough House, headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen who, as Head of the Commonwealth, signed the Charter of the Commonwealth setting out the Commonwealth’s values and commitment to equal rights. Guests at the reception heard Her Majesty say the charter represented ‘a significant milestone as the Commonwealth renews its journey of development and renewal.’
On her return from London Lancaster University student Miss Danes said: ‘Commonwealth Observance Day will always be a day I remember. I learned so much about other cultures and the rights of people in other countries and made international friends from places like Bermuda and the Falklands Islands with whom I hope to remain in touch for a very long time. As a history student it was fantastic to be shown round the historic Houses of Parliament and learn about the Charter that was to be signed by Her Majesty the Queen that evening; it really felt like we were part of history in the making. The ceremony in Westminster Abbey served as a celebration of all the Commonwealth countries. I would like to thank the Isle of Man branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association for giving us such a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’
Fellow Lancaster University student Katie Danes added: ‘I really enjoyed Commonwealth Observance Day and gained a great insight into the world of politics. I was given the unique opportunity to meet the Queen and Prince Phillip which was amazing.’
CPA Isle of Man branch chairman Hon Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘The signing of the Commonwealth Charter was a defining moment for the Commonwealth and clearly a memorable occasion for Faye and Katie to witness. As the impact of the Commonwealth continues to deepen it is all the more important that the younger generation be afforded the opportunity to gain an understanding of this family of nations, the Commonwealth.’
Photo - Faye Devlin and Katie Danes outside the Houses of Parliament, one of the settings for the Commonwealth Observance Day proceedings.
