The 10th staging of the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run, set for Sunday, May 3, is aiming to raise $10 million in support of schools and tertiary students across western Jamaica.
The fundraising target was announced during the official launch of the event, held recently at the S Hotel in Montego Bay, St. James.
Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, noted that the milestone event continues to serve as a powerful vehicle for community development and educational support throughout the region.
“Ten years ago, this movement began with a simple concept… when a community runs together, it rises together,” he said.
Councillor Vernon emphasised that this year’s run carries added significance, as several schools in western Jamaica are still recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.
“Western Jamaica has faced a sequence of shocks. COVID-19 widened learning gaps and exposed inequities in access to technology, while Hurricane Melissa inflicted deep damage on school infrastructure,” he outlined.
The Mayor noted that institutions such as Herbert Morrison Technical High School and Cambridge High School in St. James, Rusea’s High School in Hanover, Belmont Academy in
Westmoreland, and Maggotty High School in St. Elizabeth remain among those affected.
“These are not stories. They are the daily realities of children, teachers and parents who wake each morning hoping for stability,” he added.
Councillor Vernon affirmed that the Run embodies Montego Bay’s commitment to its young people, as the city celebrates 45 years of city status.
“As Montego Bay marks its 45th year of city status, we must decide what kind of city we will be. Will we be known only for our beaches, festivals and hotels, or will we be known for our capacity to nurture every child and rebuild institutions?” he reasoned.
Founder of the event, Janet Silvera, said the anniversary staging marks a decade of meaningful investment in education and youth development.
She noted that since its inception, the initiative has made a significant contribution to education in the region.
“Together, we have invested more than $45 million in education across western Jamaica,” Miss Silvera said.
She explained that this year’s staging will place special focus on supporting schools that were severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
“In 2026, we are committed to raising $10 million for education… assisting five high schools severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa and students at five tertiary institutions,” Miss Silvera added.
She is encouraging Jamaicans to support the initiative, whether through active participation or sponsorship.
“Run if you can, walk if you prefer, support a school, sponsor a student… but most importantly… stand with us in rebuilding education across western Jamaica,” Miss Silvera said.
Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI) and widower of the late Jill Stewart, Adam Stewart, underscored the importance of partnerships between the private sector and community initiatives such as the MoBay City Run.
“There are three things happening with this run that are essential to thriving communities – health, community and education,” he said.
Mr. Stewart highlighted the strong sense of unity within Montego Bay, stressing that community partnerships are essential to overcoming challenges.
“Montego Bay is an unbelievable community. Every event like [this year’s City Run launch] feels like family. That togetherness will allow us to overcome any obstacle, including Hurricane Melissa,” he said.
Mr. Stewart further underscored the transformative role of education in expanding opportunities for individuals and strengthening communities.
“Education has always been the answer. When people are given the opportunity through education, you see what happens and how they go to the next level,” he said.
Mr. Stewart also announced that Sandals Resorts International will contribute $6 million to this year’s staging of the event, doubling the company’s initial sponsorship commitment of $3 million.
The run was renamed the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run three years ago in honour of the late Jill Stewart, in recognition of her legacy of service and her unwavering commitment to education and community development.
The organisers had initially sought permission from the Stewart family to use her name for five years. However, Mr. Stewart indicated that the family is open to the event continuing to bear her name for as long as the organisers wish.
“It is a huge honour for us, as a family, to have her name on this run,” he stated.
