Around 250 people gathered as students from all eight primary and two secondary schools in the parish converged at a central location, ready to parade for the planet. Carrying placards and messages calling on their community to protect the environment, the young people marched to the La Sagesse playing field, their efforts underscored by the lively rhythm of the St. David’s Secondary School drum corp.
Among the many highlights was the announcement of the winners of a local plastic bottle collection drive. Westerhall Secondary School collected more than 800 plastic bottles over just four days, earning them a grand prize of $500. The award, presented by Abigail Ellis of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network, was met with loud cheers and proud smiles. It was a moment that celebrated both environmental responsibility and friendly competition, showcasing the power of youth-led change.
There was also an unexpected cricket connection. As the Baton arrived at the playing field, Grenada’s Windward Islands Under-19 team was in action against Saint Lucia. The timing could not have been better. Junior Murray, Grenada’s first cricketer to play for the West Indies, was there to support the young athletes and happily accepted the honour of carrying the Baton. Surrounded by the next generation of cricketers, he posed for photos and shared in the pride of the occasion.
Ten Batonbearers took part in Grenada’s leg of the Relay, including Victor Clarke, British High Commissioner to Grenada, and Junior Murray. They were joined by members of the Grenada Commonwealth Games Association, including President Bernard Wilson, as well as local school principals, representatives from the Ministry of Education, and stakeholders from True Blue Bay Resort. Also in attendance were members of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network, the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority, and the Royal Grenada Police Force.
The Baton itself, designed by Grenadian artist Nash Jeremiah, tells a deeply personal story of the nation’s journey. One side depicts Kalinago ancestors watching as a British ship approaches, a moment of change, framed within the word "journey." Another side celebrates Grenada’s natural wonder, the underwater sculpture park, with its circle of children representing unity and the nurturing of future generations.
The final panel honours Grenada’s sporting heroes. The determination and success of javelin star Anderson Peters and Olympic 400m medallist Kirani James is painted into the Baton, symbolising the grit, discipline, and pride that define Grenadian sport. Binding all three sides is a flowing DNA strand, linking past to present, land to people, and all Grenadians to one another.
