The Queen’s Baton Relay spent two days visiting St Lucia, the only country in the world named after a woman, from 16 to 17 May.
The Baton was welcomed into the nation with a cultural performance at the Commonwealth Games House, before the Baton was relayed through capital city, Castries, including stops at Derek Walcott Square, and the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
On the first Relay Day, a welcome reception was hosted at the Government House, then Batonbearers visited the Mayor of Castries at the City Hall and the Prime Minister at the Government Buildings.
Batonbearers then took to the water from Ganter’s Bay to tour the west coast of the island. One of the Batonbearers cruising around the island was Daren Sammy, who in 2004 became the first St Lucian to play international cricket. Batonbearers and members of the local communities also visited the Daren Sammy Crick Ground, where Sammy delivered a workshop and played with the attendees.
The first day ended with another visit to the Commonwealth Games House.
The second day began with Batonbearers visiting a plethora of schools, including Leon Hass Secondary School, Entrepôt Secondary School, Bexon Primary, and Dennery Infant and Primary School. All the school students were delighted to have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carry the Queen’s Baton.
Batonbearers visited Praslin Bay an area which has traditionally been afflicted by invasive seaweed. However, local man and Batonbearer, Johanan Dujon has dedicated his life to combatting this issue. He founded Algas Organics, the Caribbean's first indigenous agriculture biotech firm, who convert invasive plants into organic agricultural products.
In the afternoon, the Baton was taken to visit Moule a Chique, the second highest lighthouse in the world, found in Vieux Fort, which is an old castle on a hill which was used as a look out point.
The day continued with Batonbearers looking out to Gros Piton and Petit Piton, two volcanic spires that tower over the island. Then, Batonbearers escorted the Baton to Soufriere Volcano- the only drive-in volcano in the world. Batonbearers waded through the mud baths at the peak of the volcano.
The next stop along the Relay was a traditional chocolate factory, where an employee demonstrated a Cocoa Dance: in a huge bowl he places many cocoa beans and then danced in it to mash them up. Following his performance, he was given the opportunity to carry the Baton.
The Relay in St Lucia ended with a reception at Commonwealth Games House.
