ABOUT 52 students from various high schools around Honiara took part in the annual Commonwealth celebration on Monday.
The event was staged at the Paul Tovua Complex which featured speeches and poems read out by the students.
The event was organized to commemorate the Commonwealth day.
The programme was hosted at the Solomon Islands National Parliament.
“Today’s programme is special to parliament as this is the first time for Parliament to jointly host the Commonwealth day celebration, with the British High Commission Office, at the Parliament,” Speaker to Parliament Ajilon Jasper Nasiu said.
Mr Nasiu said that Solomon Islands received its political independence in 1978 from the Great Britain and automatically became a member of the Commonwealth.
In brief, Commonwealth is quite unique compared to other international or regional organizations, because, all the member countries were once looked after by Great Britain, however, with respect to state sovereignty, the 53 member countries of the Commonwealth, are willing to remain loyal and collectively doing things together to maintain global peace, stability, good governance and transparency, through various commonwealth agencies and links,” he added.
Speaker Nasiu said it is very encouraging to see that over the years, the country continues to strengthen the relationship, established between the institutions.
“I am aware our two offices have engaged in many Parliamentary related activities/projects that focused on institutional strengthening and capacity development.”
He added that in 2013 the National Parliament and the British High Commission Office organized a one week program for six Parliamentarians from the Westminster Parliament who had the opportunity to hear and experience the development of Parliamentary democracy in Solomon Islands.
“With the theme ‘An inclusive Commonwealth’ Parliament is excited to provide this avenue for responsible individuals and organizations to continue to raise awareness on the history, aims and functions of the Commonwealth to the younger generation of Solomon Islands,” he said.
Many students who attended the programme said the event has offered them the opportunity to learn about Commonwealth.
By LESLEY SANGA
