Cayman to fly flag for Commonwealth Day
(CNS): The Cayman Islands will be one of 53 countries flying the Commonwealth flag on Monday, 14 March, as part of worldwide Commonwealth Day celebrations. The flag will be hoisted outside the Government Administration Building (GAB) at 10am. To reflect this year’s theme, “An Inclusive Commonwealth”, more than 850 flags will be raised around the world.
The new initiative by the Commonwealth Secretariat in the UK is expected to become an annual event.
As part of the programme that will start at 9:50am, Lemuel Hurlston, the honorary representative of the Royal Commonwealth Society in the Cayman Islands, will read out a message from the outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma.
Premier Alden McLaughlin will then read the Commonwealth affirmation, followed by Governor Helen Kilpatrick raising the flag.
Flags from the 53 countries plus the Commonwealth flag will be flown in Parliament Square in London on the day. The Commonwealth Secretariat explained the reason for flying the flag in a press release. “As a collective public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, this unique initiative enables participants to show appreciation for the values the Commonwealth upholds, and the opportunities offered for friendship and cooperation with fellow Commonwealth young and old citizens around the world,” the statement said.
Also in attendance at the Cayman ceremony will be ministers, members of the legislative assembly, government officials, honorary consuls, Girl Guides and Boy Scouts.
Members of the public are invited to witness this initial event, which is organised by the Protocol Office.
The flag is to remain flying at the GAB for 24 hours and will be illuminated overnight, as per flag-flying protocol, before it is taken down the next day.
Category: Events
