The Queen’s Baton, the symbol of the Commonwealth Games, arrived in Jamaica on Wednesday as it continues its 388-day journey throughout the 70 Commonwealth territories.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is the precursor to the 2018 staging of the games which will be held in the Gold Coast of Australia.

Its journey started in Africa on Commonwealth Day in April and is now making its way through the Caribbean before heading to Canada. Next stop on the tour will be the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The baton, which is being accompanied by Sandra Osborne, the honourary legal adviser to the Commonwealth Games Federation, and a four-member team, was met at the Norman Manley International Airport by the Minister of Sports Olivia “Babsy” Grange, the President of the Jamaica Olympic Association Christopher Samuda, the former President of the Commonwealth Games Federation Mike Fennell and other dignitaries.

A brief ceremony was held at the airport where Grange commented on the significance of the baton once again gracing the shores of Jamaica.

“I am happy that the baton has arrived in Jamaica and that it will go across the country and Jamaicans will have the opportunity to feel and touch it. It is a great inspiration as we look towards the Commonwealth Games and our participation in the games,” she said.

Grange also hinted that Jamaica could make a bid to host the games for the second time, having first done so in 1966.

“Not only is it an inspiration for us to look forward to our participation, but the fact that we hope that Jamaica will bid to host the games one day in the near future,” she noted.

Grange also suggested that the future of Jamaica’s track and field is currently in good hands.

“I am confident that our current athletes are as good as those who have participated in the games previously and that we have a nursery that is turning out athletes who will continue to astonish the world.

“So I know that Jamaica will get even greater results, more outstanding results because as we get into the next generation they seem to be doing better than the older generation,” she remarked.

Additionally, Grange said that the Commonwealth Games gives Jamaica pride of place on the international scene.

“I am really excited about the events such as the Commonwealth Games, the World Championships and the Olympic Games because it gives our people a chance to shine and it gives Jamaica a chance to remain constantly at centre stage of the world,” she expressed.

The baton was then taken by bicycle to King’s House by members of the Jamaica Cycling Federation, where it was received by the Governor General Sir Patrick Allen.

The front of the baton is made from reclaimed plastic materials from the seas and waterways of the Gold Coast and the Governor General spoke to to significance of this move by the event organisers.

“As the baton traverses the Commonwealth, the organisers have deliberately embraced the concept of promoting a high level of environmental responsibility, an approach which needs to become even more deeply entrenched,” he said.

The baton will be taken across the island beginning on the south coast where ordinary Jamaicans will get the opportunity to interact with it and get a sense of history as it relates to the prestigious games.

The Queen’s Baton Relay will continue throughout the Caribbean when it leaves Jamaica on Tuesday before it moves on through the Americas, Europe, Asia, Oceania and into Australia where it will spend the final 100 days.

On April 4, 2018, the baton will arrive at the Gold Coast, and during the opening ceremony, the Queen’s message will be removed from the baton and read by Her Majesty or her representative.