celebrate the achievements of young people throughout the Island.

The hour-long Human Rights Day Commemorative Service featured musical selections and speeches presented by school children.

In his welcome Canon James Francis, chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, called on those present to note the positive things done by the children of Bermuda.

"Bermuda has some of the most loyal and well behaved children in the world, '' Canon Francis said. "Too often the negative is dwelt on, it is time to turn to the positive.

"We must continue to make Bermuda a good place to live in for everyone especially our children and young people.'' After the welcome, Bermuda High School student Tara Kessaram read a Proclamation of Human Rights which was followed by a musical selection, Vivaldi's Gloria in Excelsis by Bermuda Institute Steel Band.

And West Pembroke Primary School student Sheldon Fox read Article 26 from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Northlands Primary School student Shannel Woodley than read "Speak to us of Children'' by The Prophet (Kahil Gibran).

CedarBridge Academy Gospel Choir, directed by John Woolridge, sang two songs -- a gospel version of "Oh Come all Ye Faithful'' and "One Song'' which featured student conductor Jevon Saunders, and soloists Sacha Place, Latosha Codrington, Taylor Brame, Veronica Douglas, and Kendrea Hayward.

Another reading by The Prophet, entitled "Speak to us of Religion'', was then given by Mount. St. Agnes Academy student Eloisa Mayers.

A minute of silence was held during which Human Rights commissioner Sandra Cann asked the audience to reflect on the positive accomplishments of young people.

Maya Angelo's poem "Still I Rise'' was recited by Berkeley Institute student LaTanya Parsley before the concluding hymn "Let There Be Peace on Earth''.

In addition to the schools that performed, students from Gilbert Institute and Spice Valley Middle School attended the ceremony.

Also in attendance were dignitaries, including Progressive Labour Party Deputy Leader Eugene Cox, Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Yvette Swan, Chief Justice Austin Ward, and Acting Police Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay.