Leaders of the countries that are enjoying democracy at 50 should take serious stock to sustain democracy in the next 50 years and beyond. I have suggested a few areas for consideration; but there could be more methods to be considered. As more countries turn 50 in democracy in 2012, such as
Jamaica, Rwanda, Samoa, Trinidad and Tobago and Uganda in the Commonwealth, the lessons are clear: Whether a country was a colony or not, it is important for its leaders and citizens to respect democracy in order to bring peace and development to future generations. To do so successfully, the lessons of the past must be learned well and the choices for today and tomorrow clearly
identified and implemented. I wish to end my end-of-the- year view on democracies at 50 by recalling my first term of five years of service as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Truly, the past five years have been a very rewarding period for me. I have not only shared my experiences as a former Parliamentarian, but I have also learned more about the
Commonwealth and its peoples’ cultures and development. I wish to thank everyone for the support, friendship, hospitality and co- operation during my tours of duty in our Regions and Branches, the latest being Samoa. I look forward to another rich experience from all over the Commonwealth in the New Year, 2012, to be highlighted by the event of HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Commonwealth gallery
The Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization, Prof. Tim Unwin, (left) with Dr William F. Shija (right) following the signing of an agreement between the two organizations.
VIEW FROM THE
Former Member of the CPA Executive Committee, Mr Alan Ferguson, (right) signing the visitors' book with the Secretary-General (left) looking on.