The Relay began on 10 May in Sandy Ground, a historic marine hub and home to the Anguilla Youth Sailing Club. This opening event provided one of the most striking images of the entire journey. With the Baton secured on board, young sailors leaned into the wind, boats slicing through the water at full tilt as spectators lined the shore.
On 12 May, the Baton continued its journey through Anguilla, greeted with curiosity and excitement at preschools, primary schools and community hubs. Students took part in hands-on plastic waste activities, learning about the impact of litter on their island and collecting debris along the way.
The Baton also visited hotels, scenic viewpoints and the senior citizen home, where residents shared stories of the island’s past and posed proudly for photos.
The day ended with a formal reception at Government House, bringing together Baton designers, local dignitaries and members of the public. The event was live-streamed and featured interviews with athletes, artists and environmental advocates, all reflecting on what the Baton meant for Anguilla.
Anguilla’s Baton is a visual narrative of identity, heritage and pride. It was designed by Rudy Webster and Carmel Gumbs in collaboration with the Anguilla Commonwealth Games Association. The design process was community-led, with input from figures such as Ken Banks, President of the Anguilla Commonwealth Games Association, and Althea Hodge, its Secretary General. Together, they worked to create a design that captured Anguilla’s identity and its place in the Commonwealth.
The Baton has three distinct sides, each telling part of Anguilla’s story. One side honours the legacy of James Ronald Webster and the 1967 Revolution, alongside the vibrant colour and celebration of modern Carnival. Another captures Anguilla’s connection to the sea, with traditional boat racing, native wildlife and the natural arch in West End. The third side highlights sprinting, basketball, cycling and cricket, all brought to life in the national colours of orange, white and turquoise.
Images of the island’s three dolphins, engraved by Daryl Thompson, feature throughout the design. These dolphins represent unity, strength and endurance.
The environmental focus continued on 13 May, when volunteers launched a coordinated land and seabed clean-up at Sandy Ground. Divers and snorkellers removed plastic and debris from the water while teams on land collected waste along the coast. That same day, the Baton continued its journey through schools and community spaces, welcomedby staff, visitors and residents.
On 14 May, students from Orelia Kelly, Morris Vanterpool, Vivian Vanterpool, Omololu International and Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive submitted their plastic waste tallies. In total, an estimated 8,000 pieces of waste were collected. The final stop was James Ronald Webster Park, where local athletics clubs were in training. Young athletes took turns holding the Baton as coaches and parents looked on.
Over the course of five days, more than 80 batonbearers took part. They included students, artists, business leaders, government officials and everyday citizens. The Anguilla leg of the Relay concluded on 15 May, rounding off a week of celebration, reflection and community spirit. Together, they helped shape a memorable and meaningful chapter in Anguilla’s Commonwealth Games journey.
