Caption: 18th CARICOM Road Race winners. Photo: Facebook/CARICOM
By Sue-Ann Wayow
TRINIDAD and Tobago topped the 18th CARICOM Road Race 10K in Jamaica on Saturday.
Alexia John claimed the CARICOM Secretary-General’s Trophy—Female and first prize in the Overall Female category, while Carlie Robinson (Barbados) and Cindy Rose (Jamaica) won second and third prizes, respectively.
The event was held at Rose Hall, Montego Bay.
Nicholas Romany won the Overall Male category winning the CARICOM Chairman’s Trophy and Garfield Gordon (Jamaica) and Cleveland Thomas (Guyana) captured the second and third prizes, respectively.
A release from the CARICOM Secretariat in Guyana stated CARICOM member states participated in the event, including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
The road races form part of the pre-event activities of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, scheduled for July 6 to 8 in Montego Bay, Jamaica under the chairmanship Chair of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Jamaica Dr Andrew Holness.
In his address ahead of the award presentation, Holness emphasised the significance of the race to the celebration of CARICOM Day.
“This road race is particularly special because it is Jamaica’s signature event to commemorate CARICOM Day, which is observed on July 4. CARICOM Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is a moment for reflection and renewal, a time for us to take stock of how far we have come as a community, and to chart the path ahead for purpose and ambition,” Holness said.
He noted that the race’s theme “Caribbean Moves” was inspired by Jamaica’s programme, “Jamaica Moves” which promotes physical activity and wellness across the island.
Holness said, “This event reminds us that health is not just a personal responsibility, but a regional priority. With non-communicable diseases placing enormous strain on our families, our economies, and our healthcare system, we must embrace a culture of prevention, one that champions healthy living, movement, and mindfulness. Events like this are more than symbolic, they raise awareness, inspire action, and build a culture of wellness that starts with the individual but strengthens the entire Community.”
The road race, according to CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett, reflects CARICOM’s commitment to tackling the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by advocating for active lifestyles and healthy nutrition.
Dr Barnett said, “Thank you to all the participants for making this message loud and clear to the community, that it is important for all of us to keep moving. Jamaica moves, CARICOM moves, we all move towards a healthier way of living.”
Holness presented the CARICOM Chairman’s Trophy and other top prizes while Dr Barnett presented the Secretary-General’s Trophy.
Also present were Assistant Secretary-General Alison Drayton, CARICOM Secretariat, members of the Cabinet of Jamaica and officials from the Government of Jamaica and the CARICOM Secretariat.
This year, Jamaica also introduced a 5K run and 5K walk as elements of the CARICOM Road Race.