Queens’s Baton makes stop in Bahamas
The Islands Of The Bahamas welcomed the Queen’s Baton in grand style as it makes its way through every Commonwealth nation on the way to the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India.
Minister of Tourism & Aviation Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace welcomed a delegation of Indian and Commonwealth Games Federation representatives to Nassau on April 2 as they escorted the finely-crafted baton on its journey. Bahamian officials staged several events to commemorate the baton’s presence in the country. Events included a welcome reception at the Lynden Pindling International Airport, a baton relay through the streets of New Providence and an official ceremony at Government House.
The Queen’s Baton Relay has been a pre-Games tradition since 1958. The baton holds a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as head of the Commonwealth. It travels through several Commonwealth nations before the Commonwealth Games, originally known as the British Empire Games. For the first time, the baton will travel to every Commonwealth nation before the Commonwealth Games begin in India in October.
“I could not think of a more fitting way to set the stage for the games than this brilliant relay,” said Minister Vanderpool-Wallace as he welcomed the delegation travelling with the baton. “It upholds all the ideals of the Commonwealth – harmony, unity, and mutual respect. These are the foundations on which the Commonwealth Nations have always stood.
“You will find here in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, there is a deep and abiding respect for our fellow man. This is why we have been able to grow tourism as our largest and most important sector. We enjoy welcoming others to our shores.”
During the baton’s visit, special tribute was paid to Thomas Augustus Robinson, The Bahamas’ first gold medalist in the Commonwealth Games. In the 1958 Games in Cardiff, Wales, he earned a gold medal in the 220 yards and a silver in the 100 yards sprint.
