The St. Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) Inc. is getting ready to host the Saint Lucia leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay beginning this Sunday.
The Queen’s Baton arrives in Saint Lucia from Antigua and Barbuda tomorrow, Sunday, 15th May and leaves Saint Lucia for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Wednesday, 18th May.
The Relay began on 7th October, 2021, with Her Majesty The Queen placing her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton. The Baton is now on its 294-day long journey to every corner of the Commonwealth.
Fortuna Belrose, Chair of the Queen’s Baton Relay Committee (Saint Lucia) and Regional Vice-President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, says preparations are going well for the Saint Lucia leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay.
“We have a great team of Saint Lucians who have come together to fine-tune the plans and arrangements for the Queen’s Baton Relay,” Belrose said on Thursday. “Once it arrives in Saint Lucia, we hope to have a great reception for it at Commonwealth House (or the St. Lucia Olympic Committee House).”
The reception on Sunday evening will include dancers and drummers at the Commonwealth House to showcase the cultural experience from Saint Lucia. The Baton then moves on to Government House where it will be presented to Acting Governor General, His Excellency Mr. Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles.
On Monday, a number of courtesy calls will be made with the Baton, including to Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre; Minister for Youth Development and Sports Hon. Kenson Casimir, and Mayor of Castries, Geraldine Lendor-Gabriel. A boat tour down the west coast will follow and features cricket star and change-maker, Daren Sammy.
On Tuesday, there will be visits to various schools in the city and on the eastern and southern parts of the island. Youth entrepreneur, Johanan Dujon, a change-maker who owns Algas Organics, is expected to be featured along the route.
A courtesy visit to former Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, who has played an integral role in the Queen’s Baton Relay for many years, is also on the itinerary.
Athletes past and present from various sporting disciplines will carry the Baton at various stages throughout the Relay across the island. Throughout the Relay, historic sites, including the iconic Pitons and Sulphur Springs, will be showcased.
“The Queen’s Baton Relay is very significant because it really heralds the commencement of arrangements for the Commonwealth Games, which will be held from July 28 to August 8, 2022, in Birmingham, England,” Belrose explained. “The Queen’s Baton Relay really creates the excitement in the Commonwealth that the Games are definitely happening.”
As of 10th May, 2022, 59 out of 72 Commonwealth Games Associations have confirmed they will send athletes to the 2022 Commonwealth Games, including Saint Lucia, which will field athletes from various disciplines.
Saint Lucia first competed at the Commonwealth Games in 1962. They appeared again in 1970 and 1978, and have appeared in every Games since 1994. In recent years, Saint Lucia athletes have medaled at the Commonwealth Games, including Dominic Johnson and Levern Spencer, and in the Youth Commonwealth Games, Rochelle Etienne and Julien Alfred.
Based on previous performances at the Commonwealth Games, Belrose said Saint Lucian athletes are poised for podium finishes at this year’s hosting of the event.
“It’s a great hunting ground for us and we’re looking forward to some great performances this year from our athletes who have been working hard trying to qualify for the various events,” she said. “So, hopefully, Saint Lucia can at least come through with a medal or two this year.”