MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica (JIS) – Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, says tourism and entertainment will benefit tremendously from the opening of a new Usain Bolt Tracks and Records franchise in Ocho Rios, St Ann.
Addressing the official opening of the facility on September 14, Grange noted that with Usain Bolt’s popularity as one of the world’s greatest athletes, she is confident that the Tracks and Records Sports Bar and Restaurant will be a major draw for visitors and locals.
“Usain Bolt represents the best of what is right with Jamaica and this is something we are very happy we can share with the world. Having this Tracks and Records establishment here in the resort town of Ocho Rios can only add marquee value to Jamaica’s entertainment offerings,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bolt said he is cognisant of the importance of being viewed as a role model and that he intends to leave a legacy others will want to emulate.
The nine-time Olympic Gold Medal winner noted that Jamaica’s athletic exploits at the recently concluded Rio Games in Brazil will put the country in good stead for the future, and that tourism could benefit as a result.
“Despite the fact that I am wearing my businessman hat tonight, I want you all to know how appreciative I am of all the accolades and attention I have been receiving,” Bolt noted.
“I take great pride in being an ambassador for my country and also the sport of track and field and I am very happy to be home where I can continue doing some positive work,” he added.
Bolt said he intends to explore the possibility of taking the Usain Bolt Tracks and Records franchise to other parts of the Caribbean and also North America. He also promised that there will be other franchises in other parts of the island.
He commended the new franchise holders, Joshua and Marsha Jhamnani, adding that he is very proud to have them as partners and that he is very confident they will be able to make Usain Bolt Tracks and Records a major entertainment force on the North Coast.
Jhamnani said she is thrilled at the confidence Bolt and his team displayed “in bringing us on board as partners, and we will not disappoint”.
“We will be working with the tour operators to bring cruise and hotel visitors to this location… to be a part of the Usain Bolt experience and to be a part of our culture,” she said.
The Usain Bolt Tracks and Records was launched five years ago in the Marketplace, Constant Spring Road, St Andrew, to capitalise on the global appeal for Brand Jamaica and to celebrate the success of the world’s fastest sprinter.
