Heroes in action hailed as massive success
Published:Wednesday | October 19, 2016 | 12:00 AM
Western Bureau:
The historic Falmouth Pier, host to some of the largest cruise mega liners in the world, opened its doors on Sunday for the second annual Usain Bolt Foundation/JN Foundation Heroes in Action Charity 4k and 8k Fun Run.
The event, which also had the backing of the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), started and ended at the Falmouth Pier, and saw persons lining the streets from as early as 7 a.m. Participants included Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton and Olympic icon Usain Bolt, who played the role of the official race starter.
Describing it as a massive success, general manager of the Jamaica National Building Society, Earl Jarrett, said the PAJ must be commended for facilitating the staging of the event on the Falmouth Pier, adding that their actions "epitomise the essence of a good civic-minded and corporate citizen".
"For many residents, the Falmouth Pier is just a facility that accommodates a lot of cruise vessels. I am really happy with the partnership with the PAJ and its decision to make this possible," he noted.
He lauded the board members of the facility for enabling his organisation to have an event of the magnitude.
Jarrett said he was also grateful for the role played by the Usain Bolt Foundation, noting that having them on board was a real drawing card in getting such a large turnout.
"We have easily doubled the number of persons that participated last year," he said. "We are over the magic 1,000 number, which is a very good look and which augurs well for the future of this event. It also helped having the presence of Usain Bolt, a son of the soil and Trelawny's number one icon."
result of 'brilliant minds' coming together
For his part, Falmouth Mayor Garth Wilkinson said the charity event was a good example of "what can happen when brilliant minds come together".
"The Trelawny Parish Council must thank the PAJ and the JN Foundation for their effort in putting this thing together," he noted. "The PAJ in particular, in addition to their expert handling of the Falmouth Pier, has engaged in a number of community outreach projects here in Falmouth, a move that will certainly make life better for residents in the town and, by extension, the wider parish."
He pointed out that the PAJ has already signalled to the parish council its plans to undertake a number of cleaning and beautification activities, with the ultimate goal being to give Falmouth the look and feel of a town that is rich with history.
Jarrett further explained that the event was designed to raise funds for the Granville Place of Safety for girls, located in Garrick Foyle, Trelawny. He said that the goal is to get more partners such as the PAJ and the Usain Bolt Foundation to make life better for not only the residents of Granville but "also in the town of Falmouth and the parish of Trelawny".