Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay makes it way to Guyana

DPI, GUYANA, Tuesday, August 8, 2017

The journey of the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay began at the Buckingham Palace on March 13, 2017 and made its way to Guyana after passing through 37 other Commonwealth countries.

President David Granger passes the Baton to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

The race began in front of State House on Main Street at approximately 8:00 hours this morning led by President David Granger. On the arrival of the Queen’s Baton, the Head of State ran the first leg, as part of the commemoration of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The President then made his way to the corners of Quamina and Main Streets where the baton was passed to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. The Prime Minister then proceeded to the Bank of Guyana where he passed the Baton to Chief of Staff,Brigadier Patrick West who then proceeded north up Main Street to Quamina and Holmes Street where Minister of Education acting, Nicolette Henry received the baton.

Minister Henry then made her way to the entrance of the British High Commission where she handed the baton to British High Commissioner to Guyana Greg Quinn. The British High Commissioner then jogged his way up Main Street to the Guyana Olympic Association, where the baton was then passed on to Guyana’s lone Olympic bronze medalist Michael Parris.

The relay continued through Georgetown with Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock being the next recipient. The Minister then proceeded up Quamina Street then onto Thomas Street where the baton was passed to the students of the Green Acres Primary School.

Minister Allicock in an invited comment expressed his pleasure being involved in such a historic activity, adding “to have the children included in this event is one of the most interesting things that could happen… in the development of Guyana youths, being the persons involved in nation building and promoting our country”.

The 2018 Queen’s Baton is made from macadamia wood and reclaimed plastic, sourced from Gold Coast waterways, and inspired by the region’s vibrant spirit and indigenous heritage.

On Wednesday August 09, the Baton leaves Georgetown and heads to the Kaieteur Falls in Region Eight. From there it will make its way over to Surama and then to Annai in Region Nine before making its way to the Falkland Islands.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is the longest activity that unites the Commonwealth Nations through sport and culture and will cover 230,000kilometers over 388 days and is expected to land on Australian soil this December completing its journey at the opening cremony on April04, 2018.

 

By: Isaiah Braithwaite

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo hands over the Baton to Chief of Staff Brigadier Patrick West.

President David Granger as he receives the Baton from President of the Guyana Olympic Association Juman-Yassin.

 

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock as he receives the Baton.

Guyana’s lone Olympic medalist Michael Paris as he leads the students of Green Acres Primary School.

 

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