QBR Generates excitement in SVG

The Queen’s Baton spent three days in St Vincent and the Grenadines during which much excitement was generated amongst the Vincentian sporting fraternity,.
On its arival here on Saturday last the Queen’s Baton’s team  were met by the Ministers Mike Browne, Rene Baptiste and Cecil McKie who accompanied National Olympic Committee officials led by President, Trevor Bailey, at an Arrival Ceremony at the VIP Lounge at the ET Joshua Airport. Later on the Batonw as taken to a traditional Vincentianc eremonyw here photo were taken with the bride and groom at the famed Aquatic Club.
Early on Sunday morning the President of the NOC led a strong Queen’s Baton Relay contingent that included former NOC President, Aubrey Burgin, to the top of the La Soufriere Volcano where again photos weretaken as part of the history of the occasion. Photo ops wereundertaken at the Rabnacca Dry River and the Black Point Tunnel where lunch was also provided.
There was a brief intermingling with reprsentative softhe Indian heritage Fundation at Calder where again many photos were taken.
At 3.00pm there was a brief ceremony at the Obelisk on Dorsetshire Hill before founder of the NOC, Lennox Adams, ran the first leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay, accompanied by scores of athletes and officials of the affiliates of the NOC.
The Relay which went via Cane Garden through to Victoria Park, featured known personalities as Gloria Ballantyne MBE, Randy Dopwell, Kenneth “Vibrating Scakes” Alleyne, Lennox John, Godfrey Harry, Khalil Cato, Thelma Foster, Guy Lowe and Paulette Williams among others.
At the Victoria Park, the final recipient of the Baton was the legendary Elton Anderson, participant in the 100 and 220 yards at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales in 1958. Anderson recounted the days of his involvement and his excitement at having helped to “place St Vincent and the Grenadines on the map” by being on the first national team ever to participate in these Games. According to Anderson, the excitement of the moment at Victoria Park on Sunday caused him “to shed a tear”.
On Monday the Baton was taken to Mustique where a number of activities also took place.
The Queen’s baton left the State on Tuesday 9 March 2010.