BEEF ISLAND: Governor Mr. David Pearey and Premier and Minister of Finance Mr. Ralph T. O´Neal have thrown their full support behind the Queen´s Baton Relay 2010 Delhi and the activities to be held in honour of the baton´s journey through the British Virgin Islands, according to reports in the local media.
Mr. Pearey described the relay as an important event for a number of reasons. “The Commonwealth itself is an important and unique institution, comprising as it does of 71 nations, essentially uniting much of the English speaking world, particularly those who are committed to the ideals of democracy,” he said.
He described the Commonwealth Games, which the baton relay precedes, as an exciting event and one which serves to further unify the Commonwealth group of nations.
“There is also a place in this highly interconnected world for the physical presence of the games and other such events to be brought to respective territories and in a sense that is what the baton relay is about; it is brought physically to 71 countries participating in the games and brings home the importance and the imminence of the games to each of the countries involved in the relay,” he said.
Mr. O´Neal said the baton relay represents the harmony among Commonwealth nations and symbolises their shared ideals. “This is quite a mark of distinction for the BVI Commonwealth Games Association and it also gives our tourism a boost to know that we will be represented in India.
“I am sure the BVI Tourist Board will make good use of that to again showcase the BVI in that part of the world,” he said. “I hope the passing of the baton will also create more local attention and awareness of the Commonwealth Games and how the Commonwealth helps in a lot of aspects of our lives. I sincerely believe that the baton will be an inspiration to our athletes.”
On behalf of the Education Minister, Assistant Secretary Ms. Tasha Bertie described the BVI´s participation in the Queen´s Baton Relay as a unique and significant experience. “It is an opportunity for us to showcase across all corners of the world, our Virgin Islands´ athletes, both men and women, boys and girls and the extraordinary beauty of these islands,” she said.
“Sporting activities have continued to play a major role in the development of the people of these islands and in our own community life,” she said, disclosing that Education Minister Mr. Andrew Fahie intended to run one of the legs of the relay.
President of the BVI Commonwealth Games Association Mr. Ephraim Penn said the baton relay would be very interesting for the general public. “I hope that everyone is as excited as we are and will come out and really enjoy the running of the baton through the different communities,” he said.
A welcome ceremony at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park on Tuesday, a ceremony hosted by Premier O´Neal on Virgin Gorda on Wednesday and a grand cultural presentation at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College are among the activities planned in honour of the Queen´s Baton Relay 2010 Delhi.
Mr Lindel ‘Chef’ Hodge will bring in the Queen’s Baton 2010 Delhi at a public welcome ceremony at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park. Mr Hodge of Cane Garden Bay, was the first BVI athlete to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand in 1990.
H Lavity Stoutt Community College will be presenting ‘Tastings Under the Tent’ for the finale. Its Executive Chef Mr. Henry Prince, and the College’s Culinary Arts Department will showcase a taste of the BVI and India as part of the event’s grand finale on the lawns of the Paraquita Bay Campus on Wednesday
‘Tastings Under the Tent’ will bring to a close two full days of the Baton Relay in the territory. The buffet will be a culinary presentation of typical local dishes and Indian cuisine, and will take place immediately after the official closing ceremony, which is also being hosted at HLSCC.
A grand cultural presentation by traditional artistes will precede the closing ceremony. The line-up of entertainers includes the Lashing Dogs, the BVI Heritage Dancers, Enis Adams Primary School Dancers, BVI Elite Sky Dancers and an Indian ghazal performed by Vishal Munesar and Kumar ‘Bobby’ Gansaw.
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