Today is Commonwealth Day and it is being observed worldwide under the theme "The Commonwealth: respecting difference, promoting understanding."

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, in her message to mark the day, said the Commonwealth of Nations has an integral role to play in the promotion of these essential values.

"Given its strength and significance as a cohesive family of nations rich in diversity in history, culture, religion, race and ethnicity, the organisation can have a positive impact on individuals, countries and the international community in effecting change," said the Prime Minister.

Unique organisation

She said throughout the years, the Commonwealth has progressed as a unique organisation in managing and showcasing diversity to the benefit of all its member countries and citizens, irrespective of race, colour or creed.

She said the successful hosting of spectacular Commonwealth Friendly Games and the development of many artistic and cultural exchange programmes attest to its multifaceted characteristics.

The day is also being observed by Parliament with a special event in which some 100 students from schools in the Corporate Area, St. Ann and St. Catherine will take part at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston, at 10:00 a.m.

Six schools

Students from six schools have been chosen to represent six Commonwealth member states. Each representative will be asked to make a five-minute presentation on his or her country's involvement in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) as well as to do a cultural item from that country.

An exhibition on the Commonwealth and the CPA will be mounted at the venue on the day of the event, after which it will be relocated to the Parliament's chamber lobby where parliamentarians and members of the public will be able to view it for the rest of the week.