From the moment Stephenson King inherited the highest office in the land, his rivals were saying that he wouldn’t make it to the finish line. Many predicted that he would never run again. As his suits got tighter and tighter many wondered if his administration mirrored his physical condition—bloated, top heavy and in serious danger of collapsing from fatigue.

But Big Boy has a habit of defying expectations. Two days ago, he took the Queen’s Relay Baton in hand himself, running with it as no St Lucian prime minister has ever done. How’s that for a political metaphor? He broke no records, but he did break a sweat. Now, if only he would do it more often! (See back page for more.) After touching down in St Lucia at George FL Charles Airport on Tuesday morning via LIAT the Queen’s Baton Relay is on the final leg today (Thursday) in what has been a truly memorable experience for everyone. The relay is the commencement of preparations for the hosting of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India from October 3-14.

A delegation which included Ambassador of India, KJS Sodhi, arrived here at about 11am Tuesday. They were greeted by a welcoming party which included Minister of Sports, Lenard Montoute; President of the St Lucia Olympic Committee, Richard Peterkin; and Regional Vice President for the Commonwealth Games Federation, Fortuna Belrose.

Following a brief press conference, four cyclists with the national association along with a police escort rode to Government House during the first of the three day round the island relay. On the La Toc Road incline, long distance runner Victor Ledgers took over. He made his way to Government House where the baton was presented to the Governor General, Her Excellency, Dame Pearlette Louisy.

For Her Excellency, this is the third time she has presided over this occasion and by the looks of things it is something she looks forward to.

“I want to say it is a real pleasure and honour to be included once again in the relay,” she said. “It really does help to show St Lucia the nature of the Commonwealth and what it means to us.”

While Her Excellency was invited to but gracefully declined an invitation to become an active member of the relay team, she did the next best thing by walking at a brisk pace to the roadway outside her official residence and presented the baton to swimming coach Brian Charles. He made his way down the Morne where there were further exchanges with swimmers Jamie Perkin, Siona Huxley and Runako Daniel.

One official who did not decline the invitation to run a relay leg was Prime Minister, Stephenson King.

After receiving the baton from Daniel near the market, the PM greeted a number of spectators before going at a slow comfortable pace along the waterfront. Not sure if he eventually ran out of gas or whether he had a previous engagement, but the PM threw in the towel past his own office building (Greaham Louisy).

The baton relay continued along the John Compton Highway and eventually came to a stop at the Village Inn and Spa at Rodney Bay.

From there the Queen’s Baton relay continued on Wednesday at 8 am. The route took runners along the highway to Pigeon Island. On the way back just past the Poly Clinic, Minister of Sports, Lenard Montoute, who is a former national middle distance runner took his turn. He hardly broke a sweat while making his way to the Gros islet Secondary School.

After arriving at the Soufriere waterfront via speedboat, the baton relay went through the town, made a brief stop at Diamond Falls and the Sulphur Springs. Following a lunch break it was on to Vieux Fort via Choiseul and Laborie.

The Queen’s Baton relay continues today (Thursday) with the final destination being where it all started – Castries.

swimming coach Brian Charles. He made his way down the Morne where there were further exchanges with swimmers Jamie Perkin, Siona Huxley and Runako Daniel.

One official who did not decline the invitation to run a relay leg was Prime Minister, Stephenson King.

After receiving the baton from Daniel near the market, the PM greeted a number of spectators before going at a slow comfortable pace along the waterfront. Not sure if he eventually ran out of gas or whether he had a previous engagement, but the PM threw in the towel past his own office building (Greaham Louisy).

The baton relay continued along the John Compton Highway and eventually came to a stop at the Village Inn and Spa at Rodney Bay.

From there the Queen’s Baton relay continued on Wednesday at 8am. The route took runners along the highway to Pigeon Island. On the way back just past the Polyclinic, Minister of Sports, Lenard Montoute, who is a former national middle distance runner took his turn. He hardly broke a sweat while making his way to the Gros islet Secondary School.

After arriving at the Soufriere waterfront via speedboat, the baton relay went through the town, made a brief stop at Diamond Falls and the Sulphur Springs. Following a lunch break it was on to Vieux Fort via Choiseul and Laborie.

The Queen’s Baton relay continues today (Thursday) with the final destination being where it all started—Castries.