The Queen’s Baton spent two days exploring the Cayman Islands, between 12-13 April, marking the 50th destination along its epic 294-day-long journey!
On the first day, Batonbearers relayed the Baton through George Town, the nation’s capital, starting at Heroes Square and ending at George Town Hospital. Athletes, including some who will represent their country at Birmingham 2022, members of the community, and local school children all took on the role of Batonbearer during the Relay.
One of the stops along the route was Miss Lassie’s House, former home to 4th generation Caymanian, Gladwyn K, “Lassie” Bush and was built by her father and grandfather, with work starting as early as 1878. Miss Lassie started painting when she was 62 and decorated the walls, windows, and even the ceilings of the house! Her colourful artworks made the house a piece of cultural history.
The Relay continued with visits to Bodden Town Beach and Health City Hospital, with the day ending at George Town Yacht Club for an evening celebration.
The second day started at the Queen’s Botanical Gardens, which is home to a conservation site for Blue Iguanas, which are only found in Grand Cayman. Batonbearers relayed the Baton through the garden before being taken to Rum Point Dock and Stingray City, where Batonbearers were inches away from the stingrays!
The next stop along the route was Barker’s National Park - the nation’s first national park. Batonbearers ran down the white sand beaches alongside the clear ocean. After this, the Baton was taken to the turtle centre, where Batonbearers dived into water once again, but this time to swim with turtles.
The Relay continued on Cayman Brac Island, at the Cayman Islands first lighthouse: the East End Light.
The Baton visited West End Primary School and Layman E. Scott High School, with head boy and girl proudly taking on the role of Batonbearer for their schools. Local students then carried the Baton into the historic Rebecca’s Cave. The day and Relay through the Cayman Islands ended with a visit to Faith Hospital, where staff were able to interact with the Baton.
