Jamaican Mountaineer Rohan Freeman Celebrated for Historic Everest and Seven Summits Achievement
KINGSTON, JAMAICA — Jamaican mountaineer Rohan Freeman is being celebrated nationally after Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted his historic achievements in global mountaineering.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Holness praised Freeman for becoming the first Jamaican to reach the summit of Mount Everest, accomplishing the feat first in 2009 and again on May 23, 2025.
“Jamaican, Rohan Freeman made it to the top of the world, literally!” Holness stated.
The Prime Minister also noted that Freeman holds the distinction of being the first Jamaican and African-American to complete the Seven Summits, the challenge of climbing the highest mountain on each of the seven continents.
Historic Achievement for Jamaica
Freeman’s accomplishments place him among a select group of elite mountaineers worldwide who have successfully completed the demanding Seven Summits challenge.
The achievement is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious accomplishments in international mountaineering due to the physical endurance, technical skill, and global travel required.
Holness described Freeman’s success as a source of national pride and inspiration for Jamaicans at home and abroad.
Jamaican, Rohan Freeman made it to the top of the world, literally!
Rohan became the first Jamaican to reach the summit of Everest, first in 2009 and again in May 23, 2025.
He holds the distinction of being the first Jamaican and African-American to climb the Seven Summits;… pic.twitter.com/0nlX7zTl1e
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) May 26, 2026
Reaching the Summit of Everest Twice
According to the Prime Minister, Freeman not only became the first Jamaican to summit Everest in 2009 but later returned to complete the climb again in 2025.
Mount Everest, located on the border between Nepal and China, stands at more than 8,800 metres above sea level and is considered one of the world’s most difficult and dangerous climbs.
Freeman’s repeated success underscores years of preparation, resilience, and commitment to mountaineering excellence.
Inspiring Caribbean and Diaspora Communities
Freeman’s accomplishment also carries significance beyond Jamaica, representing a milestone for Black and Caribbean representation in global adventure sports and mountaineering.
The recognition from the Prime Minister highlights the growing visibility of Caribbean excellence across international fields ranging from athletics and business to academia and exploration.
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Alwin Marshall-Squire is the Editor-in-Chief of S-Q Publications Inc., overseeing editorial strategy for GTA Weekly, GTA Today, and Vision Newspaper. He leads the publications’ mission to deliver bold, original journalism focused on the people and communities of the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, and the global Caribbean diaspora.
Also writes for GTA Weekly and GTA Today.
