Seychelles joins in Commonwealth flag raising ceremony |10 March 2015

Seychelles joined other Commonwealth countries in a flag raising ceremony at 10am yesterday to mark Commonwealth Day.

In Seychelles the Commonwealth flag was raised by members of the Seychelles Ex-Servicemen’s Association, the Tobruk Club and the Ex-Royal Fleet Auxiliary Association.

The ceremony took place at the Freedom Square.

The deputy British high commissioner, Dave Jones, noted after the ceremony that “this unique initiative, now in its second year, is again catching the imagination of thousands of participants from all walks of life, inspiring them to join with others throughout the Commonwealth. As a collective public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, it enables participants to show appreciation for the values the Commonwealth upholds, and the opportunities offered for friendship and cooperation with fellow Commonwealth citizens around the world”.

Before the flag was raised, Mr Jones read a message from Her Majesty the Queen. In her message the Queen said: “One simple lesson from history is that when people come together to talk, to exchange ideas and to develop common goals, wonderful things can happen.  So many of the world's greatest technological and industrial achievements have begun as partnerships between families, countries, and even continents.”  

“But, as we are often reminded, the opposite can also be true.  When common goals fall apart, so does the exchange of ideas.  And if people no longer trust or understand each other, the talking will soon stop too,” the message said.

Noting that the Commonwealth comprises a group of 53 nations of dramatically different sizes and climates, the Queen says in her message that “over the years, drawing on our shared history, we have seen and acted upon the huge advantages of mutual cooperation and understanding, for the benefit of our countries and the people who live in them. Not only are there tremendous rewards for this cooperation, but through dialogue we protect ourselves against the dangers that can so easily arise from a failure to talk or to see the other person's point of view”.

She further talks about the celebration of ‘A Young Commonwealth’ – the theme for this year’s celebration -- and all that it has to offer.  

“As a concept that is unique in human history, the Commonwealth can only flourish if its ideas and ideals continue to be young and fresh and relevant to all generations. The youthfulness and vitality that motivate our collective endeavours were seen in abundance last year in Glasgow.  They will be seen again in a few months’ time when Young Leaders from islands and continents gather to make new friendships and to work on exciting initiatives that can help to build a safer world for future generations.  And last November in India, talented young scientists from universities and research institutes conferred with eminent professors and pioneers of discovery at the Commonwealth Science Conference where together they shared thoughts on insights and inventions that promise a more sustainable future,” says the Queen in her message.

Roy Fonseca, chairman of the Ex-Servicemen Association, said: “We are privileged to have been asked to organise this event and today we are here to cement the respect and reinforce the values of the Commonwealth.”