HM Queen Elizabeth II had to cancel her visit to Westminster Abbey on Monday (11) where she was due to take part in Commonwealth Day as she’s recovering from gastroenteritis.

However the Queen, as Head of the Commonwealth did sign the Commonwealth Charter.

She was well enough to address High Commissioners and dignitaries at the Commonwealth Day Reception held at Marlborough House in London where she was accompanied by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.

See iNews Cayman story today “Recovering Queen Signs Commonwealth Charter”.

However, the day before, Sunday 10 March, the Commonwealth Day 2013 Observance Service was held at St George’s Anglican Episcopal, Courts Road, George Town, at 4pm with the proper pomp and uniformed groups the service demanded.

The Theme of the service was “Opportunity through Enterprise: Unlocking Potential with Innovation and Excellence”

The Queen’s Message was read by H.E. the Governor of the Cayman Islands and this same message was broadcast all over the world.

“This year’s Commonwealth theme, ‘Opportunity through Enterprise’, is a celebration of our achievements, particularly those that may have seemed challenging, daunting or even impossible, which have helped to build strength, resilience and pride in our young people, in our communities and in our nations,” the message read.

It finished, “I am reminded of the adage, ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’. As we reflect on how the Commonwealth theme applies to us individually, let us think about what can be gained with a bold heart, dedication, and teamwork. And let us bear in mind the great opportunity that is offered by the Commonwealth – of joining with others, stronger together, for the common good.”

You can read the whole of HM The Queen’s message on iNews at http://www.ieyenews.com/2013/03/her-majesty-the-queen-head-of-the-commonwealth/

Taking part in the service at St. George’s were:

Officiating Clergy. Rev. Gary Gardiner, Rev. Donovan Myers, and Rev. Mary Graham.

Organist: Frances McConvey

Choir: St. George’s Anglican Church Junior Choir

Bands: The Cayman Islands Scouts Band and the UCCI Pandemix Steel Band

Special Performance: Abbie & the Boys.

The Welcome was read by Mr. J. Lemuel Hurlston, CVO, MBE, JP, Hon. Rep of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

Gospel readings were executed by Mrs. Lyneth Montieth and Hon. Anthony Smellie, QC and Psalm 67 was read by members of the St. George’s PIN programme.

A presentation of flags was delivered by various Cayman organisations forming part of the Colour Guard. Miniature flags representing all the member countries of the Commonwealth were presented in order of the date at which the countries joined the Commonwealth. The flags were placed on the altar.

Representatives from the CI Guide Association, East End Primary School, CI Girls’ Brigade, CI Youth Assembly and CI Cadet Corps gave the Act of Affirmation to the Commonwealth.

Today, the Commonwealth is a vibrant and growing association of states working to promote democracy and good governance, respect  for  human rights  and the rule of law, as well as sustainable  environmental; economic and social development.

It is a unique global family of 54 member countries.  From Africa to Asia, from  the  Pacific to the Caribbean, from  Europe and the Mediterranean  to North America, the Commonwealth’s membership stretches  across all the world’s continents and oceans and includes 1.8 billion people, or 30%  of the world’s population. Over half are young people aged 25 or under.

Wikipedia says: “There is growing sentiment, such as in the United Kingdom, that stronger relations with the Commonwealth is a more viable alternative to the European Union in the wake of the European sovereign debt crisis and general euroscepticism.

See also iNews story today “Recovering Queen Signs Commonwealth Charter”