Nauru celebrates 49 years of constitution day
Nauru is celebrating 49 years of
Constitution Day today, 17 May, with the annual athletics carnival
and the President's state banquet as a tribute to its supreme
law.
The Constitution of Nauru came into
force in January 1968 and provided for a parliament of 18 members.
(now 19) elected from the eight constituencies of Nauru.
Alterations to the Constitution
made by the Constitutional Convention of Nauru under Article 92
were made on 17 May 1968, hence Constitution Day.
"Constitution day is an important
date in our Nauruan calendar. It is a day to commemorate achieving
our constitution which sets the path for our laws, rights, and
freedoms. It guides us as citizens, it guides our lawmakers and
leaders and protects us in all aspects of our lives as
Nauruans.
"We also remember the determination
and hard work of our forefathers and their advisers that put
together our supreme law. We welcome new citizens to our country
and into our lives, may they be guided by our Constitution and our
national motto of God's will first," His Excellency President Baron
Waqa said.
The second citizenship ceremony was
conducted yesterday (16 May) to confer citizenship certificates to
the 34 individuals that have chosen Nauru as their new home.
President Waqa handed over the certificates and Judge Jane Crulci
presided over the oath ceremony.
In welcoming the new citizens,
President Waqa said "we honour you today as Nauruans," and
acknowledged "this special and momentous day when Nauru's
Constitution was adopted by our forefathers 49 years ago. Our
Constitution is our supreme law, and it is inspired by the Holy
Bible."
A national athletics carnival is
organised every year on 17 May as part of the celebrations
recognising the Constitution of Nauru.