The Queen’s Baton Relay spent two days exploring the sister islands Antigua and Barbuda, marking the fifth time the islands have hosted the Queen’s Baton Relay. Activities kicked off at the Fisheries Complex, where a cultural opening ceremony was performed. Then, the Baton was taken to Frigate Bird Sanctuary, which is home to the largest Frigate Bird Colony in the western hemisphere- approximately 100,000 birds!
Then Batonbearers visited students at Holy Trinity Primary and Secondary School so they could interact with the Baton and feel the excitement of the Relay.
In the afternoon, the Baton was taken to the northeast coast of Barbuda to the scenic Two Foot Bay National Park. Batonbearers walked along the white sand beaches before entering the caves system, where the islands only petroglyphs, rock carvings to make pictures and tell stories, are located.
After exploring the cave system, Batonbearers took the Baton up the 32-foot tall, Martello Tower, from where they could admire almost all of the island. The first day came to an end with a celebration on Princess Diana Beach.
The second day saw the Baton tour Antigua, beginning the route at Antigua Equestrian Centre before taking to the water to visit Devil’s Bridge, formed of reef over millions of years.
The remainder of the route highlighted and celebrated local sporting facilities and clubs. The stops included Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, which was built for the 2007 World Cricket Cup, followed by the Football Academy, the Cricket WI Grounds, the Vipers Academy, the Tennis Centre, and YASCO, a multi-use stadium.
The Weatherills Sugar estate and local YMCA were also included during the Relay. The final celebrations on the island took place at the Government House, where Sir Rodney Errey Lawrence Williams, KGN, GCMG KStJ hosted a farewell reception for the Baton.
