Piarco, Trinidad. The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton landed in Trinidad from Saint Helena, Africa today (28 May) ahead of the Commonwealth Games to be held in Australia in 2018
The Queen’s Baton which carries a message from Her Majesty The Queen, as a call to the Commonwealth Nations to come together in friendly competition at the Games, will grace the shores of Trinidad and Tobago for the next two days.
The Queen’s Baton was received at the Piarco International Airport by Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Chef de Mission Diane Henderson.
Also in attendance to receive the Baton was the Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association (TTCGA) President Brian Lewis and Secretary General Annette Knott.
Commonwealth Games Regional Vice President for the Caribbean Ms. Fortuna Belrose said that this region of the Commonwealth Nations has a unique history, is very rich in diversity and very rich in the experiences we have shared as a people and we are pleased to accept the baton here in Trinidad and Tobago as the Gateway to the Caribbean.
During it’s time in Trinidad and Tobago, the Queen’s Baton will be transported to the capital city – Port of Spain – for the first set of festivities on Monday (tomorrow). The Baton will make its way around the capital passing several historical sites where past and present National athletes will ride, jog and walk the route. The TTCGA apologizes in advance for any inconvenience caused during the Queen’s Baton Relay event.
On Tuesday morning, the Queen’s Baton relay will visit the Pigeon Point Heritage Park in Tobago where school children and parents will have the opportunity to view the Baton first hand and take photos.
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) International Sector Manager (QBR) Adam Best explained that the design of the Queen’s Baton reflects the past, the future and the present. It includes a list of all 70 countries that the baton will visit as well as a message from Her Majesty the Queen.
TTCGA President Brian Lewis welcomed the delegation and encouraged all to come out on Monday for the Baton Relay which will start at 9am at Queen’s Park Savannah, opposite Victoria Avenue.