Council Marks Commonwealth Day

March 14, 2017

The Commonwealth Flag flew over Lisburn this week as Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council officially celebrated Commonwealth Day on Monday 13th March 2017.

Commonwealth Day 2017 marks 40 years since Commonwealth Day became a global celebration, marked by the 52 members of the Commonwealth.

The theme of this Commonwealth Day Celebration was ‘A Peace Building Commonwealth’ and reaffirms 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: “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, the Mayor, 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.”