By Nabusayi L. Wamboka

The Queen of England and head of the Commonwealth has said in a world where political, economic and environmental problems and opportunities cross continents, the commonwealth will need to prove its relevance beyond its borders and develop a truly global perspective.

Queen Elizabeth 11 dressed in a yellow gold dress, matching hat and looking as elegant as ever, while addressing this year’s CHOGM in Trinidad and Tobago called upon the Commonwealth to be proud of the fact that in each of its six decades, it has shaped the international response to emerging global challenges.

“And on this, the eve of the UN Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change, the Commonwealth has an opportunity to lead once more. The threat to our environment is not a new concern. But it is now a global challenge which will continue to affect the security and stability of millions for years to come. Many of those affected are among the most vulnerable, and many of the people least well able to withstand the adverse effects of Climate Change live in the Commonwealth,” she said.

Queen Elizabeth said this diamond anniversary of the Commonwealth is an important time for it to look back and more importantly look forward.
“In doing so, I believe we can be pleased with how far the Commonwealth has come in its 60 years, and yet how true it has remained to its origins. But this does not mean we should become complacent or rest on past successes. Like any good organization we must continue to pay close attention to the things that give it distinctive character,” she said.

President Yoweri Museveni the outgoing Chair CHOGM 2007 described CHOGM as the only international gathering where they don’t use interpreters, saying this is an asset that should be exploited.
He said the only drawback is the unequal distribution of wealth – that is prosperity and not necessary natural resources. He called for understanding and no obstruction from developed countries, adding the stimuli for development in the commonwealth include education and health for all, liberalization and private sector growth, value addition on raw materials, modern and expanded infrastructure including rail, roads, electricity and ICT, regional integration for bigger markets and viable economic blocks and fair trade to end protectionism by the developed countries.

“In spite of the many problems, am glad to say that Black Africa is at last waking up. What we need is understanding, support where possible and no obstruction. When Black Africa achieves social economic transformation, the commonwealth will indeed become association where prosperity and wealth are common to all. This will also enable our countries to become effective partners in building a more equitable and sustainable future for all mankind,” he said.

President Museveni said global warming and the damage to the ozone layer is a direct consequence of the actions of those who generate excessive carbon dioxide and CFCs relying on unclean methods of production, describe this as a new form of aggression that must stop.
“Uganda is handing over the responsibility of Chair in Office to Trinidad and Tobago. Am confident that Prime minister Manning will provide the necessary leadership and fortitude to guide us through a successful meeting,” he said.

The Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma said in this diamond jubilee year, it pays to look a little closer at what it is that brings us together in a modern Commonwealth. “Consider the fact that our bonds may be deep, but they are often unspoken. They are founded on no formal charter, an no specific legal statute. Our educational, legal and governmental systems may be similar but they are not the same. The Commonwealth’s shared language ois English, but for most of us that is not our mother tongue,” he said.
Kamalesh said that the Commonwealth is a champion of democracy, of development and dignity for its people, and of respect for diversity, but nowhere can it do this to perfection.

“In 1949, a new body was created by an act of extraordinary accommodation and vision which, I believe introduced the idea of an international community. It has stood the test of time with confidence and integrity. But in 2009 and beyond, it must again show itself to be in and of its times and equal to them. Amidst a wreckage created by a series of global crises, the looming existential catastrophe of climate change, the pernicious poison of poverty and disease, the strangling of so much entitlement and opportunity, the commonwealth has to prove itself worthy,” he said.

Prime Minister Manning called for a multinational approach to tackling international affairs to reinforce a strong commonwealth, saying partnering for a more equitable and sustainable future is needed now more than ever.
“We meet at a time of continuos challenges for the international community including global economic struggle to emerge from recessional conditions, climate change producing natural disasters of unprecedented magnitude and threat to humanity with acute food and water shortages,” he said.
Manning said the increasing need to provide energy security for the world population heading for 9.2 billion by the year 2050, transnational crime particularly involving illegal arms and drugs, terrorism that continues unabated with horrendous consequences, conflicts and tensions that render global stability very fragile and nuclear proliferation that could arbitrate human civilization were challenges that the body needed to face.
“It is an inescapable responsibility of our meeting to engage in meaningful examination of these and other critical issues,” he said.

The spectacular opening ceremony was graced by a breathtaking performance directed by famous entertainer Brian Mc Farlane's Carnival and was a mixture of over 900 bits and pieces of the rich blend of the culture and history of the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago.

After the official opening, the Heads of State and government had a break for the official photograph with HM the Queen at the National Academy for the Performing Arts. They were later hosted to a reception by Prime Minister Manning and the Secretary General Kamalesh. The heads of state later retreated to a closed special session on Climate Change at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Later it was a black tie and decorations and long dress affairs as the leaders where later hosted to a dinner by Her Majesty the Queen at the same hotel.

END