More than 1,000 persons participated in the city of Miramar’s 4th annual Jamaica HI-5 5K Run/Walk last week in South Florida, to raise funds for the Adopt-a-Clinic initiative by Jamaica’s Ministry of Health.

Five medical clinics across Jamaica will benefit from the run/walk, brainchild of Consul General to Miami Oliver Mair, who was recently named dean of the South Florida Caribbean Consular Corp.

Mair, who wore the brightest smile of the day, was supported by Jamaica’s Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith who flew in from the island and finished the event in an impressive 28 minutes.

The event was hosted by the Consulate General; Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam, and Eddy and Bridget Edwards of Riddims Marketing, a well-known marketing and PR firm that is a staple in South Florida’s Jamaican Diaspora.

The run/walk also attracted the participation of Jamaican-American Alison Smith, first black woman president of the near 100-year-old Broward County Bar Association who is currently serving out her historic term.

“Although I’m not a runner, I signed up and walked during the Hi-5 event because it is a cause that is really worthy of support,” Smith commented after the successful run/walk. “It was such a feel-good event, seeing the best and brightest from the Diaspora, out and about at 6:00 am on a Saturday, coming together for Jamaica.”

Mayor Wayne Messam told the Jamaica Observer: “Today’s [May 6] race in Miramar to support clinics in Jamaica by the Diaspora was amazing. It is an honour to host this annual event promoting fitness and culture.”

Mair said the race was expected to grow significantly, as word spreads about the event and the world continues to emerge from the pandemic. Next year’s race/walk will be held on May 4, 2024, which will be its fifth anniversary.