T&T is benefiting from its membership in the 53-member-nation Commonwealth. So said Planning and Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis, in response to a question from reporters at a function in observance of Commonwealth Day at the Parliament yesterday.
The Commonwealth website says Commonwealth Day is held on the second Monday in March every year. It provides an opportunity for individuals, communities and organisations to promote shared Commonwealth values of peace, democracy and equality and to celebrate the association’s rich diversity.
Students from selected schools across T&T attended the event.
In response to a question, Robinson-Regis said T&T has benefited over the years from its longstanding membership in the body.
She said T&T continued to benefit from the Commonwealth in parliamentary affairs, education and training, energy and other areas.
“So there is a close relationship between T&T and the Commonwealth in terms of the parliamentary matters and Commonwealth scholarships attained in various member nations, including India and Canada.”
She said T&T had “sent teachers to Commonwealth countries in Africa and right now the Commonwealth Secretariat is working very closely with the T&T Government in assisting with various matters.”
Robinson-Regis said the longstanding relationship between T&T and the Commonwealth has never waned.
Canadian High Commissioner in Port-of-Spain Gerard Latulippe said Commonwealth Day “is an opportunity to reflect on the strength that our diversity represents for Commonwealth members states and the association itself.”
He said the theme of this year’s observation—An Inclusive Commonwealth—“speaks to the importance of ensuring that diversity is protected and promoted as an important contribution to the development and prosperity of all member States.”
House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George and Senate President Christine Kangaloo were among those who attended the event.
New Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Scotland will assume office on April 1.