MALDIVES
"Promoting peace, harmony and national solidarity must be among the key objectives of all the Scouts of the republic of Maldives," said Chief Scout and President of the Republic of Maldives His Excellency Maumoon Abdul Gayoom during the launching of the Rover Peace baton project upon the invitation of the President of Maldives Scout Council and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Dr Mahmood Shougee.

The peace baton will be carried across the atolls in Maldives with a goal of promoting peace. The Scout Association of Maldives headed by its Chief Commissioner Mr Ahmed Ali Maniku thanked the president for his support to Scouting. Maldives is the first stop of the peace baton under Route 2a and is expected to reach Sri Lanka this 15 September.

FIJI
Fiji was the first stop of the baton. it was officially wlecomed by a group of Headquarter Commissioners who gathered at the national headquarter headed by Chief Commissioner Mr Chandra Shekhar.

After inauguration, the baton was officially and alternately passed on to the headquarter commissioners and was brought to the Government House where it was handed over to Chief Scout and President of the Republic of Fiji His Excellency Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu who received the baton in the presence of dignitaries.

After a short stop at the Government House, it was transported to Suva headquarters where it was received by the Scouts. On Sept September 2, all Scout District Commissioners across the country gathered at the Tacirua Bhartya School to witness the official turnover of the baton to Mr Jone Naisau, Fijis’ official baton coordinator who will then pass on the peace baton to New Zealand.

The peace baton making a stop at the Government House warmly recieved by dignitaries and Chief Scout and President of the Republic of Fiji His Excellency Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu.

PAKISTAN
The baton started its journey at the capital town of Islamabad and was carried to the different parts of Pakistan before it was passed on to India on 15 September 2006 at the Wagha border.

Col. Shah of Pakistan Scouts said peace baton journey in Pakistan has ended successfully for they have created an awareness among the young people the significance of peace. He hoped that it will be the same in other countries and he hailed the regional office for creating a project like this that produces a positive impact in the society.

Scouts of Pakistan Boy Scouts Association handing over the peace baton to Bharat Scouts and Guides at the Wagha border.

INDIA
After receiving the peace baton from the Pakistan Socuts, BS Cheema, State Secretary of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, Punjab, said the baton was carried to the different states of India and will be passed on to Nepal.

With the involvement of Rovers in the project, the deputy director of Bharat Scouts and Guides explained the rovering programme gives Scouts an opportunity to become collective strength in influencing the issues and helping society to resolve them.

first update published on 18 September 2006