The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) has partnered with the Usain Bolt Foundation to erect a statue of the sprint icon at the Falmouth Pier in Trelawny. The statue will be created by Kay Sullivan and will be unveiled at the port during the 2013/14 winter tourist season.
The PAJ has consistently engaged in strategic marketing and promotional initiatives to raise the profile of its cruise product and offerings in order to attract new business and increase cruise passenger arrivals to the country. In particular, the Authority will be seeking to leverage the successes of the historic Falmouth port which since the start of operations in 2011, has won many awards including the World Travel Awards Leading Tourism Development Project for 2011 and 2012.
In speaking about the statue, Bolt said, “ I am truly honoured to join the ranks of other great Jamaicans such as Herb McKenley, Donald Quarrie, Merlene Ottey and Bob Marley and have a statue of me erected in my country. As a Trelawny native, it is always a joy to give back to my home town and participate in opportunities that will positively impact the parish. Hands down, Trelawny is the most ideal place to erect a statue of me, and to be included as one of the attractions of the multi-award winning historic Falmouth Port is just fantastic,” Bolt added.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on April 25, 2013 at the offices of the Ministry of Transport, Works & Housing, Minister Omar Davies said that there are many synergies between both brands that would make the partnership successful and mutually beneficial. “They are indigenous to Trelawny, both dominate their respective industries and are recognized globally for their spectacular achievements,” he stressed.
And for her part, Winsome Wilkins, Chairman of the Usain Bolt Foundation said that the partnership of the entities in the erection of the statue was a natural fit. “We are always happy at the opportunity to give back to the development of Trelawny.” Continuing, she said, “Usain through his Foundation is committed to the creation of opportunities through education and cultural development for a positive change in general and the enhancement of the social and cultural fabric of Trelawny in particular.”
Additional features of the partnership include collaborative efforts between the Usain Bolt Foundation and the PAJ in undertaking a community development project in Trelawny; joint corporate social responsibility initiatives such as a children’s treat at the Pier.