On August 1, 2026, the mountain village of Delices in Dominica played host to the first-ever Tasty Treasures Heritage Relay – The White River Leg, a groundbreaking multi-faceted event that wove together athletic competition, cultural celebration, culinary heritage, and community engagement under the unifying theme “Honoring the Past, Racing to the Future.”
Founded by Shirlyn James Graham and organized by the non-profit Tasty Treasures Heritage Relay Inc., the event was conceived as far more than a standard road race. From its inception, it was designed to advance a broad set of community and national goals: promoting public health and wellness, supporting local small-scale agriculture, elevating traditional culinary arts, boosting sustainable tourism, expanding educational opportunities, raising environmental awareness, nurturing local entrepreneurship, driving inclusive community development, and strengthening national pride across the island.
The relay route was intentionally curated to highlight Delices’ most beloved historic landmarks and pristine natural landscapes, allowing participants and spectators alike to reconnect with the area’s unique environmental and cultural roots. Beyond the running competition, the event featured a range of complementary activities that centered local traditions. A standout addition was the Traditional Bread-Baking Challenge, which gave veteran and emerging local bakers a platform to showcase their centuries-old craft. Participants baked using time-honored techniques, including cooking over wood fires, wrapping dough in locally harvested banana leaves, and incorporating homegrown regional produce.
To engage the next generation of cultural stewards, the event also hosted an essay competition for secondary school students, asking young people to explore how initiatives like Tasty Treasures can preserve and share Dominica’s unique culinary heritage with global audiences. Shirkia Etienne took top honors in the junior division, while Amayah Colaire claimed first place in the senior category, with both divisions sponsored by local retailers Do It Centre and Jays Books Store.
In an interview following the event, Graham emphasized the core mission that guided the project. “We wanted to create an experience that honours where we came from while inspiring the next generation to move forward,” she said. “The Heritage Relay is about bringing people together, promoting healthy lifestyles, celebrating our local talents and resources, and creating opportunities for our communities.”
The event delivered tangible community benefits beyond celebration and competition. With financial and in-kind support from corporate and community sponsors, Tasty Treasures Heritage Relay Inc. distributed EC$1,500 in cash donations plus additional in-kind gifts to three local organizations: Delices’ House of Hope, Chances at Jimmit, and St. Martin Secondary School. Organizers also took the opportunity to recognize two long-time community leaders for their ongoing contributions to public good: Gloria Joseph, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Small Business, and Francisca Joseph, former Chief Adult Education Officer, were honored for their work advancing community development, public education, economic empowerment, local entrepreneurship, and heritage preservation across Dominica.
In the competitive relay categories, the Archipelago Team claimed the overall championship title and a top prize of EC$6,000, sponsored by Archipelago Wine & Spirits. The team also took home the award for Creative Team, a category sponsored by the Ministry of Small Business. The Pioneer Club won the Discipline Team category, sponsored by local telecommunications provider FLOW, and Pioneer Club member Kervin Leatham earned recognition as the fastest individual runner in the race, with the award sponsored by local auto retailer Auto Trade.
Looking ahead, organizers have already locked in plans for the second edition of the event, scheduled to take place on July 31, 2027. The organization is actively seeking new and returning corporate, government, and community partners to help expand the event’s reach, growing opportunities across sport, local agriculture, culinary arts, education, tourism, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and community development for future editions.