The Queen opens CHOGM, warns leaders to guard against complaceny

The Queen formally opened the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Port of Spain, Trinidad Friday morning at the new National Academy for the Performing Arts.

She told the leaders of the 53 nations that comprise the group that on the Commowealth's 60th anniversary it is time to look back and reflect but also a time to look forward.

The head of the Commonwealth also urged the leaders of nearly two billion people spread across the globe to guard against complacency as they confront the real challenges that face the global community.

She also challenged leaders to take up the cause of protecting the environment and to make their voices heard on this very critical issue.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning also touched on the environmental issue he as assumed leadership of the Commonwealth, taking over the chairmanship from Uganda, which hosted the 2007 Commonwealth summit.

Manning noted that the Port of Spain summit is the last international gathering before the Copenhagen climate change conference sponsored by the United Nations. He said that is why so much emphasis is being placed on presenting a common front at the talks beginning Dec. 9 in the Danish capital.

The underline the importance of CHOGM to the climate conference, the UN secretary general is attending the conference in Port of Spain along with the French president and the Danish prime minister.

Manning said Thursday he believes CHOGM could do more than just reflect the global divisions on climatic change, noting that the mere fact that CHOGM is not a negotiating body removes the divisive atmosphere that could help develop consensus.

"A CHOGM statement cannot be taken lightly and would have some influence on events in Denmark," he said.

The opening day of the summit features an executive session on climatic change to discuss and say how the Commonwealth can add value to a process that has been ongoing for some time.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said he will focus on this along with the global economy and human rights.

For full details of all CHOGM activities please visit the official site: CHOGM 2009

Please also visit the BBC Caribbean website for full details of the conference and relevant background information