The Commonwealth Cantata being performed by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, London Voices choir and soloist Steven Leas under conductor David Rowland, Buckingham Palace, 28 April 2009
Commonwealth brings people of diverse countries and cultures together: Sharma
29 April 2009
Secretary-General addresses audience at Buckingham Palace in a 60th anniversary gathering
The Commonwealth inspires the warmth and trust that comes from a sense of deep, inexpressible belonging to a very special organisation, said Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma.
He was speaking at a reception hosted by HM Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on 28 April 2009 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Commonwealth.
"On five continents and three oceans, in large countries and small, rich and poor, and among peoples of every colour and creed, we are the Commonwealth," said the Secretary-General.
He thanked the Queen, the Head of the Commonwealth, for being 'the mainstay and inspiration' of the association.
The Secretary-General said the Queen has shown unfailing support and direction to the Commonwealth over the past 57 years. He pointed out that 60 years ago on 28 April 1949, her father King George VI had called an unprecedented audience with the eight Commonwealth leaders who had agreed the London Declaration. The King praised them for their adaptability, wisdom and tolerance. Mr Sharma stated that those qualities which the King had commended are still with the Commonwealth today.
"We have remained the organisation of values, the organisation that tends to its small states and its vulnerable states: the organisation which in countless ways has been ahead of its time and a pioneer for the wider global community," said the Secretary-General.
He acknowledged the contributions of young people in the Commonwealth, saying that they will inherit and shape the 21st century.
"I urge them to live out and advance Commonwealth values in their lives, and to work together to meet our shared challenges of promoting democracy, development and diversity."
Also present at the event were former Presidents Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia and Guido de Marco of Malta, as well as former Secretaries-General Sir Shridath Ramphal, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Sir Donald McKinnon.
The 250-strong guests from around the Commonwealth were treated to a musical performance of the Cantata For The Commonwealth. It was specially composed by British musician Paul Carroll for the Commonwealth's diamond jubilee celebration. The Cantata was performed by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, London Voices choir and soloist Steven Leas under conductor David Rowland.
"I am extremely grateful to the Secretary-General for his support of the Commonwealth Cantata and for Her Majesty The Queen for hosting the performance at Buckingham Palace. I hope that my music will help spread the Commonwealth's message of peace, understanding and harmony," said Mr Carroll.
South African soloist Steven Leas said it was a performance of a lifetime to sing for Her Majesty The Queen and for an esteemed audience of dignitaries from around the Commonwealth.
“It was an amazing experience to perform in the world’s best concert venue – Buckingham Palace. I was thrilled and honoured with the opportunity to take my first bow on such a grand stage, and then a second bow when I was presented to The Queen after the performance. 28 April 2009 was a magnificent day for me,” said Mr Leas.
There is an art form/religion of Jonkunnu which needs to be given more highlight especially from the African cultures. At Seville la Nueva St. Ann's Bay Jamaica this had come about on reseach of African settlements and earned Jamaica at the 25th World conference on historical archaeology.
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