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In the presence of HM The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, the Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and other members of the Royal Family, the Annual Commonwealth Day Observance in the form of a multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey, marked the official start of Commonwealth Week 2012, under the Theme – “Connecting Cultures”.

The Observance included a lively mix of music, dance, and personal testimonies from around the Commonwealth including the renowned South African Musician, Hugh Masekela.

In the Year of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the 2012 celebrations proved even more special, marking both 60 years as Head of the Commonwealth and sixteen Commonwealth States including Grenada.

The Queen, in her Commonwealth Day Message made reference to the special bond shared by members of the Commonwealth.

“ The Commonwealth treasures and respects this wealth of diversity. Our circumstances and surroundings may vary enormously, for example in the food we eat and the clothes we wear, but we share one humanity, and this draws us all together. The Commonwealth offers a pathway for this greater understanding and the opportunity to expand upon our shared experiences in a wider world.”

Grenada took this opportunity to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s Reign with the donation of an array of tropical flowers including Heliconias, Gingers, Anthuriums and tropical foliage. The eighteen (18) arrangements, with an array of Grenadian Spices were strategically placed throughout the Abbey and lent a bright and cherry ambience to the delight of the thousands gathered.

The flowers from Grenada were kindly donated by Mr Denis Noel (Noelville), Mr Fletcher Frank, Mr Norris Marshall, Mr John Criswick and the Ministry of Agriculture (Ashenden Station).

Jane Rowton-lee, floral coordinator for the Westminster Abbey Observance and her team of floral arrangers (NAFAS) were assisted by Suzanne Gaywood (Co-ordinator Grenada-at-Chelsea) and Mr Kester Worme, a member of the Grenada-at-Chelsea Team. The volunteers worked over a period of two days from the arrival of the flowers, till the arrangements were completed.

The colourful flags of the 54 Commonwealth States were an integral part of the service and the Grenadian flag was proudly carried by Tahnee Brathwaite, of the Grenada Benevolent Society, Lewisham.

The High Commissioner for Grenada HE Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, took the opportunity of the Observance to convey appreciation to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, and Tourism in Grenada, and to the persons mentioned above, as well as all those who prepared the floral shipment, the airport transfer with Virgin Atlantic Airways, and everyone associated with the showcasing of Grenada on Commonwealth Day in London.

The High Commissioner was delighted that Grenada was so well-presented on Commonwealth Day commenting- “what a great opportunity to promote Grenada, the Isle of Spice”.

 Photos:  High Commissioner Rouse with Tahnee Brathwaite and Suzanne Gaywood, Grenada-at-Chelsea Co-ordinator at Westminster Abbey with arrangement of flowers donated by Grenada