Cayman Marks Commonwealth Day with Fly a Flag Ceremony

Cayman Islands Government today (Monday, 9 March) hosted the annual Fly a Flag for Commonwealth Day Ceremony at the Government Administration Building, George Town, joining nations across the globe in celebrating Commonwealth Day 2026 under the theme “Unlocking Opportunities Together for a Prosperous Commonwealth”.

The event was attended by government officials, members of the Civil Service, uniformed groups and youth representatives. This year’s theme highlights how the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth can rally together to face today’s challenges and unlock opportunities that can deliver shared and lasting prosperity for all who live in the Commonwealth.

Welcome remarks were delivered by Cabinet Secretary Samuel Ros who highlighted the Cayman Islands’ ongoing commitment to collaboration and development within the Commonwealth framework, reaffirming the territory’s valued place within the Commonwealth family.

The Commonwealth Day message from the Honourable Shirley Botchwey, Commonwealth Secretary-General, was read by Dr. John-Paul Clarke, President of the Cayman Islands Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society. In her message, Secretary-General Botchwey affirmed that co-operation among nations freely chosen, values-based and equal remains the surest foundation for peace and prosperity and called on all Commonwealth members to choose partnership over isolation as the world navigates an era of significant change.

A highlight of the ceremony was a reading of the Commonwealth Affirmation by a Willa Partridge member of Girlguiding Cayman Islands, symbolising the vital role of youth in advancing the Commonwealth’s enduring principles of democracy, human rights, and equality.

The ceremony culminated with the raising of the Commonwealth Flag by Her Excellency Governor Jane Owen, in honour of the Cayman Islands’ continued partnership and participation within the Commonwealth family. The flag-raising served as a powerful symbol of the territory’s solidarity with the broader Commonwealth community.

The Cayman Islands’ observance formed part of a wider global programme of flag-raising ceremonies, interfaith services, youth forums and cultural events held throughout Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe, and the Pacific. Together, these events demonstrated the unity and shared ambition of the Commonwealth’s 2.5 billion citizens.