Road Town, Tortola - His Excellency Governor David Pearey and Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE have thrown their full support behind the Queen’s Baton Relay 2010 Delhi and the activities to be held in its honour of the baton’s journey through the Virgin Islands.
At a press conference yesterday, Governor Pearey described the BVI’s participation in the relay as an important event. “It is important for a number of reasons. I hope most people agree that 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.
Governor Pearey 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. He stated, “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.”
In his remarks, Premier O’Neal acknowledged that the baton relay represents the harmony among Commonwealth nations and symbolises their shared ideals. Recalling the baton relay of 2006, Honourable O’Neal, who is also the Minister for Tourism, said he is very pleased that the baton is coming here again.
“This is quite a mark of distinction for the BVI Olympic Committee and it also gives our tourism a boost to know that we will be represented in India and I am sure the BVI Tourist Board will make good use of that to again showcase the BVI in that part of the world,” Honourable O’Neal said.
He expressed the hope that “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.”
Pledging the full support of the Premier’s Office, Honourable O’Neal said, “I do believe sincerely that the passing of the baton will be an inspiration to our athletes.”
Speaking 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”.
She said, “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. Ms. Bertie further stated, “Sporting activities have continued to play a major role in the development of the people of these islands and in our own community life.” The Assistant Secretary disclosed the intention of Education Minister, Honourable Andrew Fahie, to run one of the legs of the relay.
Providing details about the baton relay, President of the BVI Olympic Committee, Mr. Ephraim Penn, said the baton will arrive in the Territory from St. Kitts/Nevis on the evening of March 22 and will depart for Anguilla on March 25. “It will be very interesting for the general public and 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.”
A welcome ceremony at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park on Tuesday, March 23, a ceremony hosted by Premier O’Neal on Virgin Gorda on Wednesday, March 24 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.
British Virgin Islands News