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Parliament Observes Commonwealth Day

March 8, 2010

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Jamaica’s Parliament celebrated Commonwealth Day with a science fair at the Cleve Grant Building, Constant Spring Road Church of God, Kingston, under the theme ‘Science, Technology and Society’, on Monday (March 8).
Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Andrew Gallimore, who is also Deputy Leader of the House of Representatives, was delighted with the exhibits from secondary and tertiary institution in the Corporate Area, as well as Government agencies and private sector companies.

Students from the St. Aloysius Primary School, in Kingston, perform an item at a science fair to observe Commonwealth Day, hosted by the Houses of Parliament, today (March 8), at the Cleve Grant Building, Constant Spring Road Church of God.

“We are embracing the theme this year of science and technology, and how it is going to impact our society,” Mr. Gallimore pointed out.
A message from Prime Minister Bruce Golding was read by The Queen’s School student, Michelee Young, in which he highlighted the exciting possibilities in the future of science and technology.
Mr. Golding said that the concepts and innovations generate optimism about finding solutions to some of the challenges, that currently pose a great threat to the sustainability of mankind.
“Jamaica must take advantage of opportunities offered by technological and scientific advancements, to facilitate our own long term transition to a knowledge and innovation based society,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also noted that the current policy on science and technology will be accompanied by a national science and technology strategy, which will form the umbrella under which scientific policies and implementation plans for the major sectors will be developed.
“These include energy, water, agriculture and agro industry, education, biotechnology and information and communication technology,” Mr. Golding explained.
Clerk of the Houses of Parliament, Heather Cooke, explained that this year’s theme seeks to raise awareness about the role that science and technology play in the development of the countries within the Commonwealth.
As a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), each year the Houses of Parliament celebrate Commonwealth Day. This year’s activity was in keeping with the 2010 theme, “Science, Technology and Society”.
Each year, on the second Monday in March, people all around the British Commonwealth get together to celebrate the special partnership of nations, peoples and ideals which makes it unique.
On Commonwealth Day, the Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II, delivers a Commonwealth Day message and leads a multi-faith observance at Westminster Abbey in London. This is attended by representatives of Commonwealth countries and children offer the flags of member nations for blessing. Flags also fly in Parliament Square and at Marlborough House in London, where the Commonwealth Secretariat is housed.

Last Updated: August 19, 2013

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