PM lauds Usain Bolt's upbringing at funeral for sprint icon's father
Published:Sunday | May 4, 2025 | 2:31 PM
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness today lauded the upbringing of sprint icon Usain Bolt and praised the contribution of his parents, Wellesley and Jennifer, in his success.
Holness was paying tribute to Wellesley Bolt, whose thanksgiving was held today at the Falmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church in Falmouth, Trelawny.
"The entire nation mourns with you. Usain is a global icon, a national hero, a national asset, and every Jamaican is grieving at this time with Usain and his family," Holness said in a brief address.
"Usain said, 'whatever I am today, it was because of my parents.' I am sure it would have taken Usain's village to raise him, but it began in the home," said Holness.
Wellesley Bolt died at a Corporate Area hospital on March 31 after a period of illness.
He was 68.
He was a former labourer at the Jamaica Coffee Board, a shopkeeper in the Sherwood Content community in Trelawny, and a member of the Board of Governors at the Waldensia Primary School in Sherwood Content.
He was an influential figure in his son’s track and field stardom, encouraging him in his Olympic successes.
This was a point also noted by Culture and Sport Minister Olivia Grange, who, in her tribute, lauded Wellesley Bolt for supporting his son in all his sporting endeavours, and for being a pillar of strength in his family and his community.
Other tributes during today's funeral included speeches and musical items from members of Bolt's family, along with representatives of the Jamaica Union of Seventh-day Adventists, the Falmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Windsor Coffee Farm, and the Waldensia Primary School.
Wellesley Bolt is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and their three children, Usain Bolt, Sadiki Bolt, and Christine Bolt-Hylton.
- Christopher Thomas
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