FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2025
Presiding Officers of the Grenada Houses of Parliament Celebrate Commonwealth Day
2025 and International Women’s Day
St. George’s, Grenada – On the occasion of Commonwealth Day 2025, the Presiding Officers
of the Grenada Houses of Parliament, Sen. 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, Sen. The Hon. Dr. Dessima Williams, President of the Senate, 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.”
The Hon. Leo Cato, Speaker of the House of Representatives, added:
“Inspite 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, Mr.
Victor Clarke, whose country is a founding member of the Commonwealth. During the visit, Mr.
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.
Jonathan 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 programs,
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.
End
