Are You Willing to Be Made Nothing? Is Commonwealth Reform Possible?
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Constitution of the Irish Free State (Saorstát Eireann) Act, 1922
Constitution of the Irish Free State (Saorstát Eireann) Act, 1922 CONSTITUTION OF THE IRISH FREE STATE (SAORSTÁT EIREANN) ACT, 1922. AN ACT TO ENACT A CONSTITUTION FOR THE IRISH FREE STATE (SAORSTÁT EIREANN) AND FOR IMPLEMENTING THE TREATY BETWEEN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND SIGNED AT LONDON ON THE 6TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 1921. DÁIL EIREANN sitting as a Constituent Assembly in this Provisional Parliament, acknowledging that all lawful authority comes from God to the people and in the confidence that the National life and unity of Ireland shall thus be restored, hereby proclaims the establishment of The Irish Free State (otherwise called Saorstát Eireann) and in the exercise of undoubted right, decrees and enacts as follows:— 1. The Constitution set forth in the First Schedule hereto annexed shall be the Constitution of The Irish Free State (Saorstát Eireann). 2. The said Constitution shall be construed with reference to the Articles of Agreement for a Treaty between Great Britain and Ireland set forth in the Second Schedule hereto annexed (hereinafter referred to as “the Scheduled Treaty”) which are hereby given the force of law, and if any provision of the said Constitution or of any amendment thereof or of any law made thereunder is in any respect repugnant to any of the provisions of the Scheduled Treaty, it shall, to the extent only of such repugnancy, be absolutely void and inoperative and the Parliament and the Executive Council of the Irish Free State (Saorstát Eireann) shall respectively pass such further legislation and do all such other things as may be necessary to implement the Scheduled Treaty. -
1 Antony Bounds Is in the Final Year of a Phd in History at the University of Warwick on the West Indies Federation and British
1 Antony Bounds is in the final year of a PhD in History at the University of Warwick on the West Indies Federation and British Decolonisation in the Caribbean. ___________________________________________________________________________ The Society for Caribbean Studies Annual Conference Papers edited by Sandra Courtman Copyright remains with the author Vol. 10 2009 ISSN 1471-2024 http://www.caribbeanstudies.org The Conception of the West Indies Federation and the Realities of an Imperial Legacy Antony Bounds The short-lived West Indies Federation (1958-1962) represented an attempt by British and West Indian leaders to create an entity that would provide the peoples of the region with a stable economic and political future once they had achieved independence from colonial rule. It provided Britain with an opportunity to relinquish the financial burden of the region while ensuring that it created a favourable view of its more than 300 years of imperial control. One of the central drivers of British policy in the West Indies was to ensure a successful federation, which would cement Britain’s imperial legacy in the Caribbean. This was not to be the case. By 1962 the West Indies Federation had collapsed due to arguments around finance and freedom of movement. Its two largest members, Jamaica and Trinidad, had been granted their independence as separate nation states and members of the Commonwealth. The idea of federation, for almost three decades seen as synonymous with achieving independence, had by 1962 become unviable. The aim of this paper is to explore the early motives and actions of Britain and the West Indian islands in their attempt to create a successful federation for the region. -
An Observance for Commonwealth Day 2015
An Observance for Commonwealth Day 2015 In the presence of Her Majesty The Queen His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge Monday 9th March 2015 at 3.15 pm A Young Commonwealth The Commonwealth theme for 2015 The Abbey is served by a hearing loop. Users should turn their hearing aids to the setting marked T. Members of the congregation are kindly requested to refrain from using private cameras, video, or sound-recording equipment. Please ensure that mobile phones, pagers, and other electronic devices are switched off. It is my great pleasure, as Chairman of the Council of Commonwealth Societies, to welcome you to this very special event. In a deeply disturbed and uneasy world, the Commonwealth family assembles once again at Westminster Abbey to celebrate and give thanks for our unity, friendship, shared purpose and values. With half of the Commonwealth’s peoples being under twenty-five, this is the family and the network in which tomorrow meets today, in which the aspiring young who are the future come together with those who have built the past and the present. Today there are forces and trends at work more powerful than any single government that are binding together the young people of all Commonwealth countries as never before—and in ways which would have astounded their forbears. A new kind of Commonwealth is emerging. Instantaneous contact, and constant and open communication unite schoolchildren and students, professional people of all kinds, sportsmen and women in every field, entrepreneurs, ideas and investors, artists and authors, faiths and friends in a daily conversation and worldwide association the like of which exists nowhere else. -
Parliamentary Consultation on the Proposed Charter of the Commonwealth
STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE A Charter “Fit for Purpose”: Parliamentary Consultation on the Proposed Charter of the Commonwealth April 2012 1 Ce rapport est aussi disponible en français. Des renseignements sur le comité sont donnés sur le site : www.senate-senat.ca/foraffetrang.asp. Information regarding the committee can be obtained through its web site: www.senate-senat.ca/foraffetrang.asp. 2 A Charter “Fit for Purpose”: Parliamentary Consultation on the Proposed Charter of the Commonwealth 3 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................ 5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .............................................................................................................. 7 THE COMMITTEE ........................................................................................................................ 9 ORDER OF REFERENCE ........................................................................................................... 13 I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 15 A. Background to the Committee’s study .............................................................................. 15 B. The Committee’s Consultation Process ............................................................................ 15 II. THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE PROPOSED CHARTER ....................................... 16 A. The Commonwealth -
Her Majesty the Queen Launches Queen's Baton
Her Majesty The Queen launches Queen’s Baton Her Majesty The Queen launches Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton on recordlong global journey Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has set the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay in motion during a star-studded commencement ceremony today at Buckingham Palace as part of Commonwealth Day celebrations. Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Edward The Earl of Wessex, The Queen placed her message to the Commonwealth and its athletes inside the distinctive Baton. The Queen’s Baton will now travel through the entire Commonwealth for 388 days, covering 230,000 kilometres to its final destination, the Opening Ceremony of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) on 4 April 2018. Australian Paralympic champion Kurt Fearnley OAM delivered the Queen’s Baton starting from Marlborough House up The Mall and into the Palace Forecourt, accompanied by the eminent Band of the Scots Guards, who played by permission of Major General BJ Bathurst CBE, The Major General Commanding The Household Division. Louise Martin CBE President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Peter Beattie AC Chairman of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) and Yugambeh Elders Patricia O’Connor and Ted Williams accompanied Her Majesty inthe ceremonial party. Emily Dean, a nine-year-old middle distance runner from Southport, England, had the remarkable role of holding the message for Her Majesty before it was placed into the Baton. Emily was identified through the Adopt-a-Commonwealth Country program, part of GOLDOC’s international Schools Connect initiative. For the first time at a commencement ceremony at Buckingham Palace, representatives of the Traditional Custodians of the land where the Commonwealth Games will be held, the Yugambeh Language Group People, delivered a moving invitation to all First Nations peoples of the Commonwealth to join in the celebrations of the Games on Yugambeh land. -
Evaluation of the Commonwealth Media Development Fund
EVALUATION SERIES No. 76 May 2005 EVALUATION OF THE COMMONWEALTH MEDIA DEVELOPMENT FUND Isla Paterson Commonwealth Secretariat Strategic Planning and Evaluation Division Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House London SW1Y 5HX United Kingdom © Commonwealth Secretariat 2005 Printed and published by the Commonwealth Secretariat, Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HX, UK. All views expressed in this document are those of the Consultant, and not necessarily those of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Commonwealth Secretariat evaluation studies are confidential to Commonwealth governments. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, except by Commonwealth governments for internal distribution. Contents Page Acronyms iv Acknowledgements v Executive Summary vii Chapter One: Introduction 1 1. Background 1 2. Brief description of CMDF 1 3. Purpose of the evaluation 1 4. Clients of the evaluation 2 5. Objectives of the evaluation 2 6. Scope and focus of the evaluation 2 7. Evaluation methodology and approach 2 8. Summary of the report 3 Chapter Two: The Role of Media Development in the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Strategy and Programmes 5 1. The role of the media in development and democracy 5 2. The “fit” of media development initiatives to the approved strategy 5 3. The existing Secretariat programme of action relating to media development 7 4. Possible reasons for the low priority of media development 8 5. Summary of findings 10 Chapter Three: Description of CMDF 11 1. The beginnings of CMDF 11 2. The ten-year history of support 12 3. The regional distribution of CMDF support 13 4. The type of media supported 14 5. -
The Commonwealth(S)—Inter- and Non-State—At the Start of the Twenty-First Century: Contributions to Global Development and Governance
Third World Quarterly, Vol 24, No 4, pp 729–744, 2003 The Commonwealth(s)—inter- and non-state—at the start of the twenty-first century: contributions to global development and governance TIMOTHY M SHAW ABSTRACT The official and unofficial Commonwealths have rarely been treated as inter- or non-state organisations, partnerships or epistemic communities contributing to global development and governance. This article seeks to rectify this oversight, especially in an emerging world ‘order’ characterised by uni- lateralism rather than multilateralism. After more than a half-century, both types of (interrelated) Commonwealth communities have emerged as invaluable, albeit second-order, adjuncts to global institutions, civil societies and private corporations. Their undramatic yet helpful characteristics as established, empathetic networks may be more needed to advance global development and governance in the new century than in recent decades, with implications for both analysis and practice, approaches and policies. The Commonwealth has many personalities: international organisation, global network, diplomatic club, amongst others. Underpinning these, however, is an intricate and complex set of linkages, from the ACU to the CPA. These professional associations are, in many ways, the glue which holds the Commonwealth together. (Vale & Black, 1994: 14) Past literature on the Commonwealth has been overwhelmingly descriptive, historical and lacking in theoretical substance. It has also, perhaps like the Commonwealth itself, sought to avoid controversy and has been largely devoid of any strong critical reflection of the organisation. (Taylor, 2000: 51) The Commonwealths, plural, in their interrelated official and non-official, state and non-state, forms are, as Ian Taylor’s above citation indicates, a much under- appreciated and -analysed feature of contemporary world politics (McIntyre, 2001: 101–109; Randall, 2001). -
Small States and the Challenge of Sovereignty
View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by OpenGrey Repository Small States and the Challenge of Sovereignty: Commonwealth Caribbean Offshore Financial Centers and Tax Competition William B. Vlcek Thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations The London School of Economics and Political Science University of London 2006 ABSTRACT The dynamics of inter-state relations and state sovereignty have been disturbed by late-20th century globalisation. Yet the literature on the international system, globalisation and international political economy gives scant attention to the most vulnerable sovereign entities, the small and micro states. One significant exception has been the Commonwealth, with its many small state members. Another is the area of financial crime, and the role of the offshore financial centre (OFC) within global finance. This thesis analyses the efforts of several small Commonwealth states from the Caribbean to maintain their OFCs in the face of an OECD-directed campaign against tax competition. It demonstrates both the contribution made to economic development by an OFC and the successful assertion of sovereignty achieved by these small states. The case study focuses on Caribbean OFCs and the OECD campaign against harmful tax competition during 1998 - 2003. First, the argument that tax competition is a global problem is deconstructed. Three main points from the small states’ response to the OECD position are explored, along with the OECD’s rebuttal. Because the small states are individually at a disadvantage, the thesis provides an exposition of the collective response facilitated by the Commonwealth. -
The Commonwealth Service a Celebration of the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth Service A Celebration of the Commonwealth Monday 12th March 2018 3.15 pm Photo credit: Rex Features Commonwealth Day Message 2018 E all have reason to give thanks for the numerous ways in which our lives Ware enriched when we learn from others. Through exchanging ideas, and seeing life from other perspectives, we grow in understanding and work more collaboratively towards a common future. There is a very special value in the insights we gain through the Commonwealth connection; shared inheritances help us overcome difference so that diversity is a cause for celebration rather than division. We shall see this in action at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which takes place in the United Kingdom next month, bringing together young people, business, and civil society from across the Commonwealth. These gatherings are themselves fine examples of how consensus and commitment can help to create a future that is fairer, more secure, more prosperous, and sustainable. Having enjoyed the warm hospitality of so many Commonwealth countries over the years, I look forward to the pleasure of welcoming the leaders of our family of 53 nations to my homes in London and Windsor. Sport also contributes to building peace and development. The excitement and positive potential of friendly rivalry will be on display next month as we enjoy the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia. Contributing to the success of the Games, alongside athletes and officials, will be thousands of volunteers. Voluntary effort, by people working as individuals, in groups or through larger associations, is so often what shapes the Commonwealth and all our communities. -
The Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations : From Empire Management to International and Transnational Cooperation Virginie Roiron, maître de conférences en en civilisation britannique et du Commonwealth Summary : This course enquires into the evolution of the Commonwealth of Nations from an association within the British Empire and imperial management tool into an independent international organisation. The Commonwealth of Nations, first called the British Commonwealth, was a key instrument in the British decolonisation process. After the decolonisation of Africa at the beginning of the 1960s, the Commonwealth had to work out objectives for itself and find a new role on the international scene. From 1990 on, in addition to its economic commitments, the Commonwealth has focused on the promotion of common political values (democracy, human rights, good governance). The Commonwealth of Nations is an international association of 53 states but it would be better defined as a network, as it has always put non-state actors and informal proceedings at the heart of its particular identity. With both an international and a transnational dimension, the Commonwealth offers an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of former imperial links in today’s international relations, on multilateralism and the circulation of ideas, values, standards in a globalised world, and on the evolution of international relations in the 21st century, and particularly the intervention of new agencies and different forms of diplomacy. Bibliography : Brown J.M., Louis W.R. (ed.), The Oxford -
Review and Renewal of Commonwealth Media Development Fund (CMDF)
Evaluation Series No.102 Review and Renewal of Commonwealth Media Development Fund (CMDF) January 2016 p14304_SPED_Evaluation_102_COVERS_L_Habib.indd 3 23/02/2016 14:57:48 Authors: Laleh Habib, Nabeel Goheer and Yogesh Bhatt, Strategic Planning and Evaluation Division, Commonwealth Secretariat, London © Commonwealth Secretariat 2016 All rights reserved. This publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or otherwise provided it is used only for educational purposes and is not for resale, and provided full acknowledgement is given to the Commonwealth Secretariat as the original publisher. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are the responsibility of the author and should in no way be attributed to the institutions to which they are affiliated or to the Commonwealth Secretariat. Wherever possible, the Commonwealth Secretariat uses paper sourced from responsible forests or from sources that minimise a destructive impact on the environment. Printed and published by the Commonwealth Secretariat. p14304_SPED_Evaluation_102_COVERS_L_Habib.indd 4 23/02/2016 14:57:48 EVALUATION SERIES No.102 Review and Renewal of Commonwealth Media Development Fund (CMDF) January 2016 P14304_SPED_Evaluation_102_L_Habib.indd 1 23/02/2016 15:06:11 P14304_SPED_Evaluation_102_L_Habib.indd 2 23/02/2016 15:06:11 Contents \ iii Contents Executive Summary 1 1. Introduction 2 1.1 Organisation of the report 2 1.2 Background 2 1.3 Methodology -
The Role and Future of the Commonwealth
House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee The role and future of the Commonwealth Fourth Report of Session 2012–13 Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 1 November 2012 HC 114 [Incorporating HC 1810-i, -ii and -iii, Session 2010-12] Published on 15 November 2012 by authority of the House of Commons London: The Stationery Office Limited £23.00 The Foreign Affairs Committee The Foreign Affairs Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and its associated agencies. Current membership Richard Ottaway (Conservative, Croydon South) (Chair) Rt Hon Bob Ainsworth (Labour, Coventry North East) Mr John Baron (Conservative, Basildon and Billericay) Rt Hon Sir Menzies Campbell (Liberal Democrat, North East Fife) Rt Hon Ann Clwyd (Labour, Cynon Valley) Mike Gapes (Labour/Co-op, Ilford South) Mark Hendrick (Labour/Co-op, Preston) Andrew Rosindell (Conservative, Romford) Mr Frank Roy (Labour, Motherwell and Wishaw) Rt Hon Sir John Stanley (Conservative, Tonbridge and Malling) Rory Stewart (Conservative, Penrith and The Border) The following Members were also members of the Committee during the parliament: Emma Reynolds (Labour, Wolverhampton North East) Mr Dave Watts (Labour, St Helens North) Powers The Committee is one of the departmental select committees, the powers of which are set out in House of Commons Standing Orders, principally in SO No 152. These are available on the Internet via www.parliament.uk. Publication The Reports and evidence of the Committee are published by The Stationery Office by Order of the House. All publications of the Committee (including news items) are on the internet at www.parliament.uk/facom.