A total of $152 million was raised today (February 15) at the 2026 Sagicor SIGMA Run, in support of rebuilding efforts of five schools in western Jamaica, which were severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
The schools are Salt Marsh Primary and Infant School, Mayfield Primary and Infant School, Hopewell High School, Green Pond High School and Little London High School,
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said the initiative continues to demonstrate what is possible when corporate partners and citizens work together to build resilience, strengthen education and support community recovery.
“The western end of the island was hit by the third most powerful storm ever produced by the Earth. It destroyed lives and livelihoods. Our recovery has been going at a pace, but we must never forget that there are still tens of thousands of Jamaicans who are without roofing,” Dr. Holness said.
“When it rains, it’s a disaster all over again, but for today, we’re running or walking for the children, who though we have returned them to school, many of them are in classrooms under conditions that, if we saw it, our hearts would bleed. So, your participation and your contribution will help us to recover significantly, and so again, I want to thank you,” he added.
For his part, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited, Christopher Zacca, thanked the patrons for registering and making their donations.
“This is the run for the west. You know what I’m very proud of? The fact that we showed the resilience of the Jamaican people when you went into those communities, everybody was coming out to help each other from all over the country,” he stated.
“When I was with the principals, one told me that when it rains, the children start to cry, and that was it for me. So, all of you, you’re going to help to stop the children from crying in the west,” Mr. Zacca added.
Meanwhile, Garfield Gordon, was declared the winner at the event. He told JIS news that this was his fourth time winning the SIGMA run, and that “it feels really amazing to be victorious”
