It is that time once again when King Charles III brings the Commonwealth together through the display of the King’s Baton Relay which is currently taking place among all seventy-four countries and territories that comprise the British Commonwealth.
President of the Anguilla Commonwealth Games, Mr. Kenn Banks, spoke with The Anguillian and explained how significant the King’s Baton Relay 2026 is.
“For the first time in the history of the Commonwealth Games, each of the seventy-four Commonwealth nations and territories will receive its own uniquely crafted Baton,” he said.
“Each Baton, featuring three flat surfaces fitly joined together, has been carved from a single Ash tree in Glasgow. While all Batons originate from the same tree, each one has been individually personalised by its respective nation to reflect its national identity, cultural heritage, creativity, and vision.
“This innovative concept captures two of the Commonwealth’s core values, namely Unity and Diversity. It represents Unity, in that all Batons were crafted from one tree. It represents Diversity, in that each of the seventy-four Batons now stands as a distinct artistic expression of its nation, celebrating the rich tapestry of the Commonwealth.
“Anguilla’s Baton is the result of a meaningful collaboration among three local artists, namely Daryl Thompson, Rudy Webster and Carmel Gumbs.
“Daryl Thompson engraved Anguilla’s iconic three dolphins, the emblem which symbolises unity, strength, and endurance on all three faces of the Baton.
“Rudy Webster created the original graphic designs, with each face representing a unique theme: one highlights sport, another commemorates the Anguilla Revolution, and the third showcases our island’s natural beauty and national symbols.
“Finally, Carmel Gumbs brought the design to life through hand painting, adding vibrant colours and depth to the Baton’s surface.
“Together, their work has transformed this Baton into a proud symbol of Anguilla’s story, spirit, and voice, carried into the heart of the Commonwealth community,” Mr. Banks stated with pride.
During the past week, Anguilla’s uniquely crafted Baton was relayed across the island, making special appearances at schools, the Governor’s Office, and other notable locations. One of the most symbolic moments of the relay occurred when the Baton was taken out to sea—a fitting tribute to one of its engraved faces, which proudly bears the label “Marine.”
This word, drawn from His Majesty the King’s speech which is to be delivered at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, was uniquely assigned to Anguilla, highlighting the island’s deep connection to the ocean.
Besides, a central theme of the 2026 King’s Baton Relay, is a call to action for ocean conservation, with a particular emphasis on reducing plastic pollution in marine environments. In support of this global initiative, Commonwealth Sport Anguilla collaborated with a wide range of local stakeholders to amplify awareness and engagement.
These many partners included: the Fisheries Unit of the Department of Natural Resources; Anguilla Ocean Keepers; the Anguilla National Trust; the Anguilla Enhancement Project; the Department of Health Protection; the Department of Education; the Sports Department, and the Governor’s Office.
According to Mr. Banks, “After all 74 participating nations and territories would have displayed their Batons through local public events, each uniquely designed Baton will be taken to the United Kingdom where they will be exhibited at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, scheduled to take place from July 23rd to August 2nd, 2026.”
“Together, these Batons tell a powerful story—one of unity, diversity, heritage, and a shared responsibility to protect our planet for future generations,” Mr. Banks concluded.
