More than 100 Scotia volunteers laced up their running shoes in support of the Relay for Life held by Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Police Officers’ Club in St Andrew.

Scotia Group, through the Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance Company, also provided a $2-million boost as a platinum sponsor of the event.

The funds will directly support the JCS’s ongoing mission to provide education, early detection, and treatment support for people impacted by cancer across the island.

Relay for Life, the JCS’s flagship fundraising event, brings together teams of 10 or more participants in a 12-hour relay of walking or running around a track, symbolising the unrelenting fight against cancer.

Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance Company President Debra Spence said the company’s involvement was a natural fit, given the increasing number of cancer diagnoses reported by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the company’s focus on life and critical illness protection.

“With our CritiCare product, persons can get very affordable coverage for up to nine critical illnesses, including cancer. What we offer through this product is not just insurance, it’s peace of mind,” a company release quoted Spence.

“This partnership allows us to extend that peace of mind to the wider community by helping to make cancer screenings more accessible and by promoting education around prevention and early detection,” she added.

According to the Ministry of Health, breast, prostate, cervical, and colorectal cancers have been identified as priority areas for public education and screening interventions. Many of these cancers are preventable or can be treated effectively with early detection, a reality that underscores the urgency of events like Relay for Life.

The event serves as both a fundraiser and team-building activity, attracting participants from corporate groups, schools, service clubs, and community organisations.

The Scotia Insurance booth was abuzz with positive energy throughout the event, providing attendees with refreshing beverages courtesy of DeafCan as well as the opportunity to showcase their artistic skills by contributing to an inspirational ‘paint by numbers’ mural.

Roshane Reid Koomson, executive director of JCS, welcomed Scotia’s investment, noting its wide-reaching impact.

“Scotia Insurance has been a loyal and long-standing supporter of the Jamaica Cancer Society, and we are deeply grateful for their continued commitment to our mission. Their support has helped us expand access to cancer screening and public awareness across Jamaica. It’s not just about funding; it’s about saving lives through early detection. We cannot effectively treat everyone diagnosed with cancer at a late stage, which is why investment in early detection is so critical. This partnership with Scotia Insurance is a powerful example of corporate responsibility in action which brings hope, healing, and real impact to Jamaicans,” Reid-Koomson said.