Queen’s Baton update

The Queens Baton will arrive into Rarotonga on Friday 21st May. CISNOC President, Sir Geoffrey Henry says, they’re hoping the VIP lounge within the new airport terminal or else another venue will be sort. The relay will start on Saturday 22nd May, from the BCI Stadium where an opening ceremony will be held before the baton is handed to students from Tereora College, Avatea and Nikao Primary schools who will line the track before heading towards Avatiu. Sir Geoffrey in a Press Conference today says, one of the main concerns is ensuring that the relay is completed by 5pm which is the request put forward by the organizing committee in Delhi. Elizabeth Tou of CISNOC has been appointed as the Baton Relay Marshall to monitor the time. CISNOC has allowed Vaka Puaikura to put together their own program. The Queens Baton is understood to weigh around 2.5kg and is covered in gold, is battery operated which will allow it to be lit at night. Queen Baton co-ordinator, Robert Graham says, at this stage its not known whether a mock baton will also accompany the official Baton but Delhi has indicated that the baton that will be carried around the island is the authentic Queens Baton which contains the Queens message to be read out at the Delhi Commonwealth Games. Initially the baton was to spend at least 7 days in the Cook Islands where it was hoping the baton will travel to two of the Outer Islands. Sir Geoffrey said, having the baton taken across to Aitutaki was ideal as it was to help distract the residents following Cyclone Pat and Mangaia who is the host of next years Manea games. The Cook Islands is the 61st country to have travelled to and is on its last leg through Oceania.

Herald Issue 463 10 June
- World famous activist assisting residents
- Budget will decide if residents prosecute Government over landfill
- Forestry project sucking Mangaia dry
- Budget 2010 – fiasco or disaster?