Road Town, Tortola - Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE travelled to Virgin Gorda this morning to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay and to encourage residents there to participate and support.
Premier O’Neal described the brief ceremony at the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour as a symbolic occasion. “It is a big feather in Virgin Gorda’s cap that one of the smallest islands in the Commonwealth group of nations could be participating in a symbolic event such as this.”
Honourable O’Neal said being a member of the Commonwealth is quite beneficial to small territories like the Virgin Islands. “I can tell you that it is an organisation that is doing quite a lot especially for the smaller under-developed territories.” The Premier reiterated the point made at the welcome ceremony on Tortola that the BVI and other Commonwealth member states benefit tremendously from technical assistance provided by the organisation.
He also noted that the Commonwealth pays particular emphasis to the youth. “The Commonwealth takes a keen interest in young people. Those of you who listen to the Queen’s message every year, whether for Christmas or for her birthday, would note that the youth are always included and the games have a special emphasis on young people,” Honourable O’Neal told those gathered for the ceremony.
Commending the school children in attendance, Honourable O’Neal encouraged them to see the baton as “a token to remind us that we form part of the great Commonwealth of nations.”
Sharing brief remarks, President of the BVI Olympic Committee, Mr. Ephraim Penn told the Virgin Gorda residents “the spirit of togetherness and harmony continues here today.” Encouraging those present to support the participants, Mr. Penn said the Queen’s Baton Relay presents an opportunity to “showcase Virgin Gorda in a good light.”
The ceremony included a rendition of the song, “It’s a small world” by students of the Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School.
Regional Vice President for the Commonwealth Games Federation Ms. Fortuna Belrose said the journey of the baton would not have been complete if it did not visit Virgin Gorda.
“That is what the Commonwealth Games is all about and what the federation is all about, the unity, the brotherhood and of course listening to the wonderful voices of the children telling us as adults in the society, that it is indeed a small world and together and collectively we can achieve what we want to achieve,” Ms. Belrose stated.
President of the Football Association Ms. Franka Pickering in her remarks at the ceremony, acknowledged the historic nature of the event and encouraged young people to get involved in sports. She said, “There is much to gain from being involved in sports. You can of course be healthy; you can build your self-esteem and motivation. It gives you a sense of direction and helps you set goals for your future. Being involved can also give you a better opportunity to develop your education level and creates opportunities for travel and exposure to other cultures and life experiences.”
Territorial Representative Honourable Keith Flax was the first bearer of the baton which was taken on a very scenic run through Virgin Gorda, stopping at several points for photo opportunities. There was also a visit to the Bregado Flax Educational Centre where the students welcomed the baton with a variety of poems and musical renditions.
The final leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay is being run this afternoon in the eastern end of Tortola. The event will culminate with a closing ceremony, cultural presentation and a tasting buffet featuring BVI and Indian cuisine. The baton leaves the Territory tomorrow for Anguilla.
British Virgin Islands News