THE RACE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY MONTH – NOVEMBER 2026
Two weeks before the first notes of worship rise from the Local Government and Community Month National Church Service, the spirit of the festivities will race across Jamaica, with the start of our annual Cross-Island Run kickstarting in St. James on Wednesday October 14.
Athletes & community members from various schools and communities will carry, from parish to parish, messages from Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen; Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness; Leader of the Opposition Mr Mark Golding; and Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie. These messages will be read at the National Church Service that will mark the official opening of the month’s celebrations. This year, the observance is guided by the theme, “Local Government: Your Voice, Your Community.”
The relay will begin with two sets runners making their way through the parish to the borders of Hanover and Trelawny, respectively where the Messages will be handed over to another set of participants.
These messages will be relayed across 14 parishes over a span of 14 days before culminating in Kingston on November 1, 2026, at the Transform Life Church where the National Church Service will be held this year.
Leading the charge is the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development in collaboration with the Social Development Commission (SDC) who will be spearheading the Cross Island Run along with the Municipal Corporations, the Jamaica Fire Brigade and other stakeholders.
The run, theme and other events during the month symbolize an echoing call for residents to participate in community programmes, activities and volunteerism while highlighting the work and opportunities within the Local Government fraternity.