Flying the flag for Commonwealth Day

Commonwealth Day 2017 was the 40th anniversary of the global celebration, which is marked annually by the 52 member states of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The theme of this year’s Commonwealth Day celebration was ‘A Peace Building Commonwealth’ and reaffirmed the Commonwealth Charter Principle that “international peace and security, sustainable economic growth and development and the rules of law are essential to the progress and prosperity of all.”

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP read the Commonwealth Day message from Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, which said: “It has been uplifting to see - in a remarkable range of circumstances and contexts - the strength of Commonwealth connection flourishing and in action for the benefit of all. Our shared values and language, similar institutions of democratic governance and administration, and the Common Law, make it easy for us to understand one another, to discuss obstacles and opportunities, and to work together for the common good.

“This results in what we call ‘Commonwealth Advantage’, with the interoperability of our systems facilitating mutual support and cooperation, and boosting levels of trade and commerce among our member states.”

Raising the flag at Lagan Valley Island, the Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh, Councillor Brian Bloomfield MBE, said: “By flying the Commonwealth flag the council is displaying its pledge to support the Commonwealth, its commitment to work together for a future in which there is freedom and justice and prosperity for all, with peace and understanding between nations.”