TWO students from the Isle of Man witnessed defining moments in Commonwealth history.
Katie Danes, aged 18, from Port St Mary and Faye Devlin, aged 19, from Onchan, were chosen by the Isle of Man branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) to join about 1,000 other young people to attend the Observance of Commonwealth Day proceedings which took place in London.
Faye described the day – March 11 – as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity.
The programme included discussions on the Commonwealth and the CPA attended by visiting and UK parliamentarians.
It was followed by attendance at the Observance Day service in Westminster Abbey.
The service was attended by the Duke of Edinburgh, together with all Commonwealth High Commissioners in London.
The day ended with an evening reception at Marlborough House, headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
There they watched the Queen who, as Head of the Commonwealth, signed the Charter of the Commonwealth setting out the Commonwealth’s values and commitment to equal rights.
Guests at the reception heard Her Majesty say the charter represented ‘a significant milestone as the Commonwealth renews its journey of development and renewal’.
Miss Devlin, who is studying at Lancaster University, said: ‘Commonwealth Observance Day will always be a day I remember.
‘I learned so much about other cultures and the rights of people in other countries and made international friends from places like Bermuda and the Falklands Islands with whom I hope to remain in touch for a very long time.
‘As a history student it was fantastic to be shown round the historic Houses of Parliament and learn about the charter that was to be signed by Her Majesty the Queen that evening – it really felt like we were part of history in the making.
‘The ceremony in Westminster Abbey served as a celebration of all the Commonwealth countries.’
She added: ‘I would like to thank the Isle of Man branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association for giving us such a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’
Fellow Lancaster University student Katie Danes said: ‘I really enjoyed Commonwealth Observance Day and gained a great insight into the world of politics.
‘I was given the unique opportunity to meet the Queen and Prince Phillip which was amazing.’
Rushen MHK Juan Watterson, who is chairman of the Isle of Man branch of the CPA, explained: ‘The signing of the Commonwealth Charter was a defining moment for the Commonwealth and clearly a memorable occasion for Faye and Katie to witness.
‘As the impact of the Commonwealth continues to deepen it is all the more important that the younger generation be afforded the opportunity to gain an understanding of this family of nations, the Commonwealth.’