Presiding Officers of Grenada Houses of Parliament celebrate Commonwealth Day 2025

On the occasion of Commonwealth Day 2025, the Presiding Officers of the Grenada Houses of Parliament, Senator the Hon. Dr Dessima Williams, President of the Senate, and the Hon. Leo Cato, Speaker of the House of Representatives, extend warm greetings to all Grenadians and to the peoples of the Commonwealth Caribbean, Africa, Asia, the United Kingdom, and beyond.

This year’s Commonwealth Day holds special significance as the Commonwealth family continues to grow, welcoming new member states such as Mozambique, Rwanda, Gabon, and Togo. These additions reflect the enduring relevance and inclusivity of the Commonwealth, a global community bound by shared values of democracy, development, and diversity.

Coinciding with International Women’s Day, Commonwealth Day 2025 also marks a historic transition in leadership. We extend our deepest gratitude to the outgoing Secretary-General Dame the Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KC for her exemplary service and visionary leadership. At the same time, we warmly welcome the first female African Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, the Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey of Ghana. Her appointment is a testament to the Commonwealth’s dedication to gender equality and the empowerment of women across the globe.

In her remarks, Dr Williams stated: “As we celebrate Commonwealth Day and International Women’s Day, we are reminded of the strength that lies in our unity and the power of our shared values. The Commonwealth is a vibrant community where diversity is celebrated, and collaboration is key to our collective progress. I am inspired by the leadership of our new Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, and I am confident that under her guidance, we will continue to thrive together.”

Hon. Cato, added: “In spite of our many differences, the Commonwealth remains that common chord that binds and  unites us a great family of nations.”

To mark this special day, the President of the Senate hosted the UK Resident Commissioner Victor Clarke whose country is a founding member of the Commonwealth. During the visit, Clarke welcomed young Grenadian Jonathan Mitchell to experience a day in the life of a diplomat, highlighting the importance of youth engagement in Commonwealth affairs.

Mitchell, a Youth Parliamentarian, proposed that education on the Commonwealth be integrated into school curricula through National Student Councils. This initiative aims to ensure that young people are informed about the Commonwealth’s values, membership, and programmes, empowering them to become active participants in its future.

The Grenada Houses of Parliament reaffirm their commitment to the principles of the Commonwealth and to fostering solidarity among its 56 member states. Together, we thrive — united in purpose, strengthened by diversity, and driven by a shared vision for a better world.

Grenada Houses of Parliament