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The Name Game #10: Why do We Have Commonwealth Roots?

By my queenstown on Saturday, December 4, 2010 with 0 comments

The long road, Commonwealth Avenue, which connects Bukit Merah to Buona Vista, is the most recognised road in our estate. This road alongside, Commonwealth Close, Crescent and Drive, commemorate the international cooperative organisation of former British colonies. Commonwealth Drive was  called Crown Road originally and this road name was changed in 1955. Today, let us see how the establishment of the Commonwealth of Nations influenced the longest road in Queenstown. 


Named after Commonwealth of Nations


Commonwealth is a traditional English term for political community founded for the common good. Historically, it has sometimes been synonymous with"republic." As a noun, commonwealth means "public welfare," "general good" or "collective advantage." Politically, it also incorporates how a state in which the supreme power is vested in the people; a republic or democratic state. Besides the Commonwealth of Nations, there is Icelandic Commonwealth (Iceland Free-state or republic) and Noble's Commonwealth (Republic of Poland-Lithuania under a King).


Commonwealth Members visit Queenstown

Commonwealth of Nations, or British Commonwealth established in 1926, is an intergovernmental organisation of 54 independent states which were formerly part of British Empire. The idea of a Commonwealth originated from Lord Roseberry who predicted the future constitutional relations and adjustments within the British Empire. The objective of the Commonwealth was first outlined in 1971 Singapore Declaration, which promoted democracy and pursue racial equality, fight against poverty amongst an non exhaustive list. 

After World War II, the overcrowding city centre in Singapore was a worry for the British Commonwealth that Singapore would fall under communist as many residents were unhappy with the living conditions. Thereafter, delegates from the British Commonwealth came to Singapore to monitor the progress on the construction of Singapore's first satellite estate (Queenstown lah!). For these repeated trips, Crown Road (named after the Crown Prince of the United Kingdom) was renamed Commonwealth Avenue to commemorate the British Commonwealth in their efforts for their initial efforts in Singapore's progress towards a higher living standards.


Category: Name Game , Places , recent

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