“Connecting Cultures “ was the theme for this year’s Commonwealth Day Service that was celebrated to a packed audience at St. George’s Anglican Episcopal Church on Courts Road, George Town. I use the word ‘audience’ and not ‘congregation’ as the people attending were representing all nations belonging to the Commonwealth. Even “The Lords Prayer” was spoken in Konkani – an Indo-Aryan language that is the official language of the Indian state of Goa.

Officiating at the beautiful and moving service were The Ven. Archdeacon Hollis Peter Lynch Rector of St Georges, Rev. Mary Graham also from St George’s and Rev. Alson Ebanks, Cert. Hon and Senior Pastor of Church of God Chapel, who gave a very uplifting sermon. His message was of hope for the future due to the diverse global family that belongs to the Commonwealth. He mentioned youth and how important they are in God’s plan.

The service started with the Commonwealth Flags March-Past, the Colour Party presenting the flags of the Cayman Islands, the Union Jack and St. George.

Miniature flags representing all the 54 member countries of the Commonwealth were placed on the altar in order of the date at which the countries joined the Commonwealth. The last country being Rwanda who joined in 2009. The contingents who took part in this presentation were Government and private Schools, Cayman Islands Cadet Corps, Boy Scouts Association, Girl Guide Association and the Girls Brigade. The Scout Band played a stirring march to accompany this.

The organiser and Honourary Representative of the Royal Commonwealth Society, J. Lemuel Hurlston, CVO, MBE, JP, welcomed everybody and The Queen’s Commonwealth Day Message was read by the Chief Justice Hon Anthony Smellie, QC ,JP who also read a lesson from the New Testament. The Old Testament Reading was executed by Justice Charles Quin, QC. Young Devonte Joseph of Prospect Primary School read Psalm 67 with maturity.

St George’s Junior Choir sang a musical selection, “I belong to a Family” and the Organist was Frances (Fran) McConvey who also helped with the service organisation. During the hymn “The Servant Song” a collection was taken up to benefit Miss Lassie Restoration Project as part of the work of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation.

Representatives of the Girl Guides Association, Bodden Town Primary School, Cadet Corps, St Ignatius Prep and High School and the Girls Brigade said the Act of Affirmation to the Commonwealth.

The final moment was The Return of Colours and the Scout Band played “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” to a stirring beat of drums that rang through the church.

A vast amount of refreshments was available in the church grounds with music provided by the UCCI Pandemix Steelband.

If you weren’t there for this very moving and patriotic service you should have been. Come next year but make sure you arrive early to get a seat.

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