Major Boost for Health and Education as Montego Bay Mayor Declares Wellness Week

Montego Bay, St James – Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, has declared the week leading up to the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run as Wellness Week, emphasizing the importance of health and education in the city’s development.

The annual charity event, set for Sunday, May 4, will feature a 5K and 10K run to raise funds for needy tertiary students. Speaking at the event’s launch on Monday at Sandals Montego Bay, Mayor Vernon highlighted the significance of investing in people’s well-being.

“We have had challenges in both areas. In education, Jamaica has a tertiary-educated population of under 25 percent, and it is important that events like these are channeled towards sponsoring education so we can bridge those gaps,” Vernon said.

He also noted that cardiovascular disease and hypertension are major concerns, reinforcing the need for a healthier population. “A healthy nation is indeed a wealthy nation,” he stated, welcoming the event’s renewed focus on wellness.

The Jill Stewart MoBay City Run will begin and end at Harmony Beach Park and is expected to attract hundreds of participants. Founded 11 years ago by journalist Janet Silvera, the event was not held in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the mayor’s backing, organizers hope this year’s staging will strengthen Montego Bay’s commitment to health and education, making a meaningful impact on the community.