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The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting convenes in November in Malta with most of Britain’s ex-colonies discussing many lofty ideals, much of which often remain suspended in air. Despite being active in development, democracy, debt “management” and trade, and committed to the Millennium Development Goals, the Commonwealth’s members are amongst the poorest and most corrupt nations. Even in its mission to work for democracy, its success is certainly debatable, considering the dictators and absolute monarchs who rule some of the Commonwealth nations. The CHOGM’s brochure on its Heads of State reveal little of their countries’ problems under their dubious rule. Every two years, the Commonwealth’s Heads of Government, mainly Presidents and Prime Ministers, meet for a few days to discuss world and Commonwealth issues, and to agree on new policies and initiatives. The theme for 2005 is ‘Networking the Commonwealth for Development’, which focuses on bridging the digital divide, and identifying ways of enhancing co-operation for prosperity, development and democracy. In the shadows of the Commonwealth network however, millions are dying under oppressive regimes and of poverty and AIDS.
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