Jamaica Secures CARICOM Chairman’s Trophy in Road Run/Walk Event

On Sunday, July 5, there was a powerful display of unity and strength from the starting line to the finish at the 19th CARICOM Road Run/Walk.

Organisers describe the event as “A great show of spirit and collaboration, and regional camaraderie ahead of the 51st Jamaica emerged victorious to secure the CARICOM Chairman’s Trophy at the 19th CARICOM Road Run /Walk event, held …in Gros Islet.”

Barbados’ Carlie Robinson claimed the CARICOM Secretary-General’s Trophy:

– Female and first prize in the Overall Female category (Elite 10K Female), while Attoya Harvey (Guyana) and Alexia John (Trinidad and Tobago) won second and third prizes, respectively.

Jamaica dominated the top position in the Overall Male category (Elite 10K Male) with Garfield Gordon winning the CARICOM Chairman’s Trophy and Odida Parkinson (Guyana) and Kamar Thomas (Antigua and Barbuda) capturing the second and third prizes, respectively.

More than 250 professional athletes, amateur competitors, and recreational runners representing 15 countries and territories took part in the event.

The Road Run/Walk forms part of the pre-event activities of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, scheduled for 5-8 July in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Chair, CARICOM, Philip J. Pierre.

Ahead of the award presentation, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation, Kenson Casimir, delivered remarks on behalf of Prime Minister Pierre. He emphasised the significance of the Road Run/Walk to CARICOM unity.

“This run/walk is more than a race. It is a celebration of health, discipline, unity, community spirit, and Caribbean friendship,” he declared.

“It reminds us that CARICOM is not only about the meetings of heads of government, the policy, discussions, and regional decisions. CARICOM is about people,” the Minister stated.

Moreover, Minister Casimir asserted: “It’s also about athletes, our families, and young people. It’s about our communities and the shared Caribbean identity that connects us across borders. Today, every participant has contributed to that spirit. You are part of something meaningful. You have helped demonstrate the strength, energy, and togetherness of our Caribbean Community.”

According to CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett, the Road Run/Walk reflects CARICOM’s commitment to tackling the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by advocating for active lifestyles and healthy nutrition.

“Across our Community, we have a very high incidence of non-communicable diseases, and we know that healthier lifestyles make it easier for us to manage these conditions and to prevent them,” she noted. “Our numbers are on the high side in terms of the incidence of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. I encourage everyone in the Community to continue to be active, to exercise and to live active lifestyles.”

Sports Minister Casimir presented the CARICOM Chairman’s Trophy and other top prizes while Dr Carla Barnett presented the Secretary-General’s trophy. Also present were CARICOM’s Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Armstrong Alexis; Assistant Secretary-General, Human and Social Development, Alison Drayton; Assistant Secretary-General, Foreign and Community Relations, Elizabeth Solomon; Assistant Secretary-General, Economic Integration, Innovation and Development, Dr Wendell Samuel, and other CARICOM and government officials.