The Queen’s Baton Relay spent two days exploring islands across Turks and Caicos with over 150 community members taking on the role of Batonbearer. The Baton began on Providenciales, known as the gateway to the islands, with a relay through the community. Local people took on the role of Batonbearer, including representatives from sport clubs around the island.
Batonbearers made the trip to North Caicos by boat, hoping to spot whales along the way. The Baton was taken to historical sites and local farms to witness the culture, cuisine, and history of the island. Local businesswoman, Tapa Tibble, and high school student, Louneika Chisholm, carried the Baton from Belfield’s Landing to Wade’s Green Plantation before community activist Velma Gardiner and student Archelande Joseph carried the Baton to Isaac Organic Farm, which focuses on providing affordable produce and new jobs for members of the community.
Farmer, Courtney Missick, and student, Devon Tre Duncombe, carried the Baton to Cottage Pond, a tropical blue hole, which is home to a variety of waterbirds. Later in the day, musician Lovey Forbes, and student Arianna Balbuena, took the Baton to Flamingo Pond, where many of the pink birds were paddling in the water as the Baton arrived. The Relay continued with members of the community proudly carrying the Baton to landmarks such as Horse Stable Beach, Major Hill, and Bottle Creek.
The remainder of the day was spent exploring the three main settlements on Middle Caicos: Conch Bar, Bambara, and Lorimers.
The Baton was taken to Conch Bar Caves, where students from Doris Robinson Primary School were Batonbearers. Named after the district, it is the largest above ground cave system across the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Nurses Nerissa St. Bernard and Norma Forbes were Batonbearers at Bambarra Beach, before Environmental Health Officer, Dwight Hall, carried the Baton around Lorimers Dock.
The final day of the Relay in Turks and Caicos was spent on South Caicos, Salt Cay, and Grand Turks. Firstly, the Baton was driven in a decorated truck, to visit Marjorie Basden High School, where students and teachers held a welcome ceremony. Angelina Lewis, member of the school’s softball team and four of her teammates represented their school as Batonbearers and carried the Baton to Basden Well.
The Relay continued with the Baton visiting Iris Stubbs Primary School, Conch Ground, and Regatta Village, where Kyle Bellizaire and four more members of the Marjorie Basden basketball team were Batonbearers. Brownies and Girl Guides carried the Baton around the Boiling Hole, an underground water passage which was once used by early salt producers.
The Baton was then taken on a tour around Salt Cay, the smallest inhabited island in Turks and Caicos, with members of the community taking turns carrying the Baton.
In the afternoon, the Baton was relayed around Grand Turk, where dignitaries, students, and athletes all took on the role of Batonbearer. Delano Williams carried the Baton on its final stretch to Grand Turk Parade Ground, where a farewell ceremony was hosted. Originally from Turks and Caicos, Delano has gone on to represent Great Britain on the international stage, including at Tokyo 2020.
