The country joins 53 others to observe this year’s Commonwealth Day today.
Two activities today March 12 end festivities marking the Commonwealth Day: a diversity competition organised by the Commonwealth Youth Caucus and a cultural evening at the Yaounde Conference Centre.
Prior to the activities, the Minister of External Relations (MINREX), Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo and the Minister Delegate at the Ministry of External Relations in charge of the Commonwealth, Joseph Dion Ngute, cut a symbolic ribbon at the courtyard of the Yaounde City Hall on March 9, to open the Commonwealth Cultural Village. Joined by diplomats of the Commonwealth family and government ministers, Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo and Joseph Dion Ngute in cutting the ribbon ushered the public into a village that displayed the theme of this year’s edition of the feast; “Connecting Cultures”.
“With culture being an integral part of human activity, it is important to have the connectivity of different cultures of people. This is what is going to take civilisation forward,” Dion Ngute said. Visiting the stand of the Ministry of Arts and Culture where different art works from the nooks and crannies of the country were displayed and the stands of Britain, India, South Africa and Nigeria, government ministers and members of the diplomatic corps who belong to the Gentleman’s Club were thrilled by the link in cultures through exhibitions. Cameroon has a diverse population comprising approximately 250 ethnic groups that form five regional cultural groupings and follow various religions including indigenous beliefs, Christianity and Muslim. To this effect, the Commonwealth thinks that there is a likelihood that Cameroon will experience some challenges in cultural co-existence.
The Commonwealth Secretariat in MINREX through the Commonwealth Department developed a manual on administrative drafting in English as part of efforts to connect cultures. Other activities marking the week included a roundtable debate on March 9, 2012 to assess what Cameroon has done in this regard, challenges faced and the way forward. An athletic walk and carnival also took place on March 10 at the May 20 Boulevard.
