St. Margaret’s Primary School on Camp Street, headed by Ms Georgeania Lewis, on Thursday last joined in staging activities in observance of Commonwealth Week, which began on Monday, March 9, 2015.

With the involvement of teachers of the school, pupils set up colourfully adorned exhibition tables where they displayed interesting and well-put-together creations, depicting the cultures of some of the 53 Commonwealth member nations. Countries highlighted included: Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Malaysia, among others.
Additionally, brochures were prepared highlighting interesting facts on the Commonwealth, distinguishing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth of Nations.
For each country represented, there was a poster from which the student population gleaned important knowledge and grasped images of the nations’ cultural artifacts. The posters highlighted the photographs and names of heads of state; key economic activities; national flags; national wear; the countries’ maps; currencies; national dishes (cuisine); religion, art and folklore.
And adding colour to the celebration were the unique and attractively designed costumes of the respective nations, modelled by the smart and witty pupils. Rather heartening, also, was the fact that the pupils all seemed to have appreciable knowledge of the basics of what Commonwealth stands for.
Meanwhile, the national dishes on display were simply irresistible and boasted a range of delectable, mouth-watering sweet and savoury dishes – all peculiar to the countries of origin.
On Monday last, South Road Nursery School held a similar programme in observance of Commonwealth Day, observed on the second Monday in March.
The Commonwealth of Nations, commonly known as the Commonwealth (formerly the British Commonwealth), is an inter-governmental organisation of 53 members, of which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is head.
Home to some 2.2 billion citizens, these diverse countries span Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific. All members subscribe to the Commonwealth’s values and principles outlined in The Commonwealth Charter.
Leaders of member countries shape Commonwealth policies and priorities. Every two years, they meet to discuss issues affecting the Commonwealth and the wider world at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
All members have an equal say – regardless of size or economic stature. This ensures even the smallest member countries have a voice in shaping the Commonwealth.

By Shirley Thomas