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 13.
Ben Newsham, 20, from Foxdale and Joshua Radcliffe, 19, from Kirk Michael will join around 1000 other young people attending the Commonwealth Day celebrations, which take for their theme: ‘A Peace-building Commonwealth’.
Aimed principally at young citizens of the Commonwealth, the proceedings will include discussions on the Commonwealth and the CPA, in particular the latter’s contribution to parliamentary democracy, with contributions from visiting and UK Commonwealth parliamentarians.
The day will be marked by a service of celebration of the Commonwealth in Westminster Abbey in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen, as Head of the Commonwealth, accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, together with all London Commonwealth High Commissioners. The celebrations 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 the Rt Hon. the Baroness Scotland QC.
As part of the selection process applicants were asked to set out in 200 words what they believed they would gain from the experience and how the Isle of Man might benefit from their attendance.
In his application second-year politics undergraduate at the University of Warwick Ben Newsham, a former Queen Elizabeth II High School student, wrote that attending the celebrations would deepen his understanding of the Commonwealth, an organisation he viewed as ‘an important institution in modern international politics, especially since the Brexit vote’.
On being selected he said: ‘I am thrilled to have been chosen to represent the Island at this event marking the importance of the Commonwealth. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the world, while also ensuring that the Isle of Man is represented.’
Ramsey Grammar School student Joshua Radcliffe, in his submission, referred to the Commonwealth as ‘a symbol of unity’ and continued: ‘The global values spread by the Commonwealth have incited my passion in it and I would be honoured to be able to represent the Island on Commonwealth Day.’
On learning he had been selected he said: ‘It is an honour to have been selected by the Isle of Man branch of the CPA and I am incredibly grateful. The event will be a great opportunity to experience the underlying values of the commonwealth alongside other members of the diverse and global organisation. I look forward to meeting other representatives and being a part of what will be a captivating and edifying event.’
CPA Isle of Man branch chairman Juan Watterson SHK said: ‘At a time of geopolitical instability and uncertainty this year’s peace-building theme will provide an opportunity to emphasise to young people the Commonwealth’s enduring relevance and focus on how the organisation can be a real force for peace and security. I am sure Ben and Joshua will find the programme for Commonwealth Day truly inspiring and thought-provoking.’
After the event the two students will be invited to Tynwald to share their experiences with members.
