The executive committee of the Isle of Man branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has selected two young people from the Isle of Man to attend this year’s CPA Headquarters Secretariat’s Observance of Commonwealth Day in London on Monday March 14.

Nicholas Hawkes, 20, and Alexander Price, 19, both from Onchan and former Ballakermeen High School students, will join around 1000 other young people attending the Commonwealth Day celebrations, the theme for which is ’An Inclusive Commonwealth’.

The day’s proceedings will include discussions on the Commonwealth and the CPA attended by visiting and UK parliamentarians, followed by attendance at a celebration of the Commonwealth service in Westminster Abbey at which Her Majesty The Queen, as Head of the Commonwealth, accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, will be present, together with all Commonwealth High Commissioners in London. The day will conclude with a reception, also in the presence of Her Majesty, at Marlborough House, headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, and hosted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma who said: ‘In changing times, the need for the Commonwealth to act as an inclusive network for mutual support, development and growth of opportunity and rights for all is as great as ever.’

As part of the selection process applicants were asked to set out in 100 words what they believed they would gain from the experience and how the Isle of Man might benefit from their attendance.

In his submission Nicholas, who is studying for an MA in Politics at the University of Edinburgh, wrote that attending the celebrations would provide an opportunity ‘to gain further experience regarding different forms of parliamentary democracy’.

On being selected he said: ‘I am thrilled to be selected to represent the Island at this event and I will endeavour to promote the Island's interests and work to raise our profile within the Commonwealth. It is crucial for us to be represented as an inclusive and forward-thinking nation, particularly at an event such as this where a number of developing countries will also be present. ‘

In his submission Alexander, who is studying for a BSc in Geography at University College, London, wrote: ‘Like the UN, the Commonwealth faces a variety of issues, however, the Isle of Man has direct representation at the CPA; making it a vital tool for international relations.’

On learning he had been selected he said: ‘I think this year's theme, An Inclusive Commonwealth, is particularly of importance to the Isle of Man, as it is one of the smaller branches in the CPA. As well as reflecting values of tolerance, equality and respect, the theme refers to all member states having an equal voice.’

CPA Isle of Man branch chairman Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘This year’s theme, An Inclusive Commonwealth, will undoubtedly prove to be thought-provoking as it invites young citizens from the Commonwealth “family” to consider how we can best advance living in a diverse yet equitable, fair and tolerant international community.

‘Every year the Observance of Commonwealth Day celebrations serve to illustrate to powerful effect the CPA’s global role and commitment to reaffirming the Commonwealth’s relevancy in the 21st century. I am sure Alexander and Nicholas will benefit immeasurably from the experience.’

On April 1, 2016 the Rt Hon, the Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC will succeed His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma as Commonwealth Secretary-General and, in doing so, will become the first woman to hold the post.

Photo - Nick Hawkes.