Every Sunday morning between the hours of six and nine hundreds of people in Diego Martin, a suburb of Trinidad’s capital Port of Spain, take over the streets.

Every Sunday morning between the hours of six and nine hundreds of people in Diego Martin, a suburb of Trinidad’s capital Port of Spain, take over the streets.

On a one mile stretch of highway traffic is banned and individuals and families come out in their droves to walk, run, race, cycle, skateboard, roller blade, do aerobics and generally get themselves fitter.

The initiative is the brainchild of local businessman Michael Phillips (owner of Mikes Bikes) who went to the Ministry of Sport in 2009 with an innovative proposal.

Encouraged by the advent of Caribbean Wellness Day in 2008, he wanted to spearhead a free community wellness programme which would create a safe space for exercise in a densely populated area with few recreational facilities. And so the ‘Get Moving’ campaign was born.

“It’s great to see people getting out and about, becoming more active and making positive changes to improve their health.”
Michael Phillips, project pioneer

Hugely successful evolution

It proved hugely successful and evolved into the current Keep Moving Family and Fitness Sundays intervention. Now people attend not only from Diego Martin but from much further afield and the event attracts participants from all walks of life and a range of socio-economic groups.

According to Mr Phillips the programme is a trailblazer, “We’re the only ones doing something like this and we hope it catches on across Trinidad and Tobago and throughout the region. It’s great to see people getting out and about, becoming more active and making positive changes to improve their health.”

Non-communicable diseases represent a clear threat to the wellbeing and prosperity of the people of Trinidad and Tobago and are among the leading causes of death and disability. Levels of obesity, heart disease and diabetes are high and rising.

“For some of the Sunday morning walkers, runners, skateboarders, cyclists and dancers in Diego Martin, taking responsibility to get fitter is a key strategy to help prevent NCDs. Regular participant, Ms Penny Sellier says, “Keep Moving is a great place to ride with kids. It’s safe, and enjoyable as they build confidence with bike handling skills.  It is a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time with your family, while exercising and having fun.”