Queen’s Baton Relay arrives in Dominica (with photos)

DOC President Billy Doctrove holds Baton after receiving it at Ferry Terminal. Photo credit: Alyan Christopher

Day 203 of its 294-day long journey, the Queen’s Baton Relay arrived in Dominica on Thursday, April 28, for a two day visit as part of its epic journey across 72 Commonwealth nations and territories, leading up to the Commonwealth Games.

As is tradition, Her Majesty The Queen has placed a message inside the Baton which will be read out at the opening ceremony of Birmingham 2022 on July 28, 2022,  when the final Batonbearer hands the Baton back to her.

The Queen’s Baton Relay has been an essential part of the Commonwealth Games for more than 60 years. Typically, it takes more than a year to complete and provides a vital connection to all the nations and regions of the Commonwealth. However this year, the Baton will travel almost half the distance than the previous Gold Coast Queen’s Baton Relay in a bid to reduce the carbon footprint.

Since it was launched in 1958 to prelude the Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, the Queen’s Baton Relay has become the longest relay of its kind in the world.

On its arrival on Thursday at the Ferry Terminal via the Coast Guard from Montserrat which was its previous destination, President of the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC), Billy Doctrove, along with other officials from the committee, accepted the Baton.

During the DOC’s march with the Baton from the Ferry Terminal to the Peeble’s Park, accompanied by the  Dominica Cadet Corps, the Queen’s Baton was passed en route, to the selected “Changemaker Batonbearer”  20-year-old female athlete Adicia Burton. Burton is the Kalinago representative of the National Youth Council of Dominica, a youth parliamentarian and national volleyball and cricket player, having represented Dominica at the Youth Olympic Games, among other competitions.

During the visit, each nation and territory will host events and activities that showcase untold stories from Batonbearers, athletes, and young people who are striving for change in their community, as well as showcasing a project that addresses one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Baton will witness moments of celebration, visit local schools and explore iconic landmarks.

Dominica, which is the 55th destination that Baton visits, will be no exception, says President of the DOC’s President.

On the day of arrival, DCO held a cocktail party that evening for affiliates of the Commonwealth games along with representatives from the Ministry of Sports.

The following day, Doctrove said there will be a relay through the city of Roseau by athletes from over 10 different sports followed by a presentation of the Baton to the President of Dominica, H.E. Charles Savarin.

The Baton will also pay a visit to the Massacre/Canefield Primary School, the Mahaut Primary School and view some sporting events as well.

On April 30, the Queen’s Baton Relay will visit some of Dominica’s natural sites during a hike and afterwards will visit the Kalinago Territory and the second town of Portsmouth.

On departure day, May 1, DOC’s executive member, Korlita Hamilton, will accompany the Baton to its next destination, the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

Doctrove, who lauded the arrival of the Baton in Dominica  expressed his delight with Dominica being part of the journey which, according to him,  provides an opportunity to highlight and promote the beauty of the island.

He said DOC is in full preparation mode for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Photos of Thursday’s event can be seen below. Photo credit: Alyan Christopher

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5 Comments

  1. Ibo France
    May 1, 2022

    I wish the Queen’s baton safe passage through all the Commonwealth territories. Hope the upcoming Commonwealth Games will be an overwhelming success. I will be elated if Dominica and other OECS countries harvest many medals at this event.

    One question that bothers me that doesn’t have any thing to do with the Commonwealth Games. Why does a 96 year old lady still want to cling to power. She is barely mobile. Is she helplessly addicted to power?

  2. BataleBay
    April 30, 2022

    Surprised Skerrit not in it! He’s always up for a smirking photo and a good dose of stuttering propaganda.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
    • Man bite dogs
      May 3, 2022

      Ha ha ha Satan rubbish jealousy is killing you all with hate towards another black man, just because you lots seating on your lazy backsides doing nothing talking rubbish and drinking your mothers milk.

      • Marty
        May 6, 2022

        Anything better than to bite dogs and catch rabies in the process which ultimately results in brain damage if not treated properly. YOU are a living example!

        Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0

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