In a vibrant celebration of unity, culture, and athletic pride, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) hosted the King’s Baton Relay on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the lead-up to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. This event was particularly momentous as it represented the first King’s Baton Relay following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, symbolizing a new era under King Charles III.
The relay commenced at the Tortola Sports Club and concluded at Government House, featuring baton bearers who represented the full spectrum of BVI’s past and present Commonwealth Games athletes. The event celebrated sports that have historically represented the territory at the Games: Track and Field, Squash, Cycling, 3×3 Basketball, and Swimming.
Joe Chapman, a four-time Commonwealth Games squash player, initiated the relay with young players at the Tortola Sports Club before proceeding to the Multipurpose Complex.
At the Multipurpose Complex, Birmingham 2022 3×3 Basketball athletes showcased a brief exhibition before handing over the baton to members of the BVI Athletics Association at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground.
The baton was then carried by notable figures including Mr. Steve Augustine, Hon. Kye Rymer, and Ms. Shaunice Leonard, along with team members from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, proceeding to Sunday Morning Well.
From Sunday Morning Well, the baton was handed over to the BVI Cycling Federation, who transported it to the HM Prison Museum.
At the HM Prison Museum, Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith (Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture) and Ms. Desiree Smith (Baton Artist) received the baton and carried it to Midtown Restaurant.
Former track stars Ashley Kelly and Karene King took the baton from Midtown Restaurant to Sir Olva Georges Plaza, followed by Mr. Dean Greenaway (past Commonwealth Games athlete) who carried it to Queen Elizabeth II Park.
The final leg saw the baton handed over to Hon. Julian Fraser (Minister for Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change), Green VI, and Ms. S’Riyah Mitcham (Commonwealth Sport BVI intern), before being presented to Acting Governor David Archer at Government House.
The relay was part of a broader celebration hosted by Commonwealth Sport BVI, emphasizing the territory’s commitment to international sports excellence and cultural representation on the global stage. The event also highlighted sustainability initiatives, including a coastal clean-up led by Green VI as part of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign.
Desiree Smith, a local visual artist, was selected to design the BVI’s unique baton, crafted from sustainable ash wood. Her design features three panels ‘British Virgin Islands,’ ‘Colourful,’ and ‘Commonwealth Sport’ each highlighting aspects of the territory’s environment, culture, and sporting achievements.
The baton will continue its journey through other Commonwealth nations as part of a longstanding tradition that symbolizes connection, competition, and the shared values of the Games.