The Queen's Baton

Krysta Anderson, Lifestyle Reporter

The Commonwealth Games is all about coming together for the love of sports, and last Saturday evening, specially invited guests came together to welcome the arrival of the Queen's Baton in Jamaica.

Many walked into the cocktail hour on the beautiful green lawns of Trafalgar House and joined in the festivities over wines and other libations.

Members of the British High Commission beamed with pride in hosting the event as British High Commissioner David Fitton welcomed all to his 'humble abode'. Damian Green, the United Kingdom's minister of state for police and criminal justice, took to the microphone welcoming the Queen's Baton to Jamaica, noting that the Commonwealth Games uniquely celebrate diversity and peace.

Louise Martin, who is vice-chair of the organising committee and represents the Commonwealth Games Scotland on the Glasgow 2014 Board, noted that the baton has travelled a long way and that the actual baton is a combination of Glasgow and Scotland's innovation and tradition. Martin is very passionate about the baton because it is very special for competing athletes in inspiring a sense of hope and patriotic pride. While the baton visits Jamaica, she encouraged all to touch it, take a picture with it, and share in the cultural experience.

Vishu Tolan, vice-president of the Jamaica Olympic Association, noted that Jamaica is the baton's 54th stop in its 69-nation tour before the Games on July 23-August 3. They wanted the people of Jamaica to get a taste of what the Games are all about, so it's a three-day long itinerary, including travelling to the inner cities, Emancipation Park, then off to a few schools and the west coast.

Youth is a big feature of these games, and journeying with the baton was a book to be signed by young athletes all over the globe. The young Jamaican athlete privileged to sign the book was none other than Jevon Francis, who broke Usain Bolt's 400-metre Champs record at the recent Issa Boys and Girls' Track and Field Championships. Track stars such as the great Donald Quarrie and Yohan Blake were also present to give their support.

With clouds hovering overhead, an unexpected visitor - rain - made its way to the event, but many continued to mingle despite the pitter patter of light drops. It did not last long, and, pretty soon, guests were able to get back to indulging in the scrumptious fare while enjoying traditional Scottish dance by the Scottish Cultural Dance Society in Jamaica. Musician Tom Conner also kept guests entertained with his bagpipe.

As a parting gift, guests were able to take a photo with a picture of the baton in a Freeze Frame photo booth, to take home for posterity.

krysta.andeerson@gleanerjm.com