Students of Uriah McPhee Primary School celebrated Commonwealth Day Monday. (BIS Photo/Raymond Bethel)Nassau, Bahamas ? Employees of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture joined the staff and students of Uriah McPhee Primary School as they celebrated Commonwealth Day Monday. Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of nations held on the second Monday in March.

During the special service held in the school?s auditorium students performed in poetry, song and dance for those in attendance including Governor General, His Excellency the Hon. Arthur D. Hanna, staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and faculty of James Madison University in Virginia.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Desmond Bannister described the Commonwealth as a family and a team that works together to do a lot of ?good? things in the world.

?Even though the Commonwealth has 2 billion people each one of you at Uriah McPhee primary school has an important role to play in the Commonwealth. It does not matter how small you are you can make a difference in the world,? he said.

The Minister advised the students that it is their determination to succeed that makes the difference, and reminded them that reading and studying would help them and The Bahamas to influence the world. He encouraged the students to work hard and succeed.


Photo: Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Desmond Bannister addresses students at the Uriah McPhee primary school during Commonwealth Day celebrations there on Monday, March 9, 2009. (BIS Photo/Raymond Bethel)