Today, we celebrate Commonwealth Day and, in doing so, Antigua and Barbuda's membership of the Commonwealth family of nations.

It is 25 years since Antigua and Barbuda joined the Commonwealth. Today we renew our commitment to its shared values of tolerance, respect, and equality and to uphold its fundamental principles of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and sustainable socio-economic development.

This year, we pay special attention to the virtues of health and vitality. We recognize that our nations are stronger when there is access to good food, clean water and healthy living conditions. It is in all our interests to work to provide the highest possible standards for all Commonwealth people.

Working together to find prompt solutions to the debt obligations of small and vulnerable economies like Antigua and Barbuda will aid in realizing the targeted eradication of poverty thereby improving healthcare.

It is Antigua and Barbuda's view that the Commonwealth will continue to support the notion that fundamental to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals is a determination among stronger nations of the world to strengthen the weaker.

Membership of the Commonwealth also enhances our reputation around the world as it brings a collective dimension to our global interests. We, in Antigua and Barbuda, are much stronger knowing that our one voice has the support of 52 other nations. We know the Commonwealth is a trusted partner and welcome its style of global diplomacy, which uses the power of consensus to make multilateralism work.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta last year reaffirmed our commitment to each other. As one of the leaders who attended CHOGM, I can say that our private discussions were candid and productive. CHOGM provided a forum where we were able to speak openly about the needs of our citizens and negotiate on the basis of equality. We may have distant partners but our collective ambitions have seen tremendous growth.

The people of Antigua and Barbuda can feel confident that through our Commonwealth connections we are stronger. Our solidarity is our strength, our shared values, conventions and institutions provide the platform to build peace and deliver prosperity to all our people.

So, in the spirit of solidarity, let us cherish this valuable partnership and celebrate Commonwealth day 2006.