Statues for fantastic four

Ahead of Jamaica's 55th Independence celebrations next year, Minister of Culture, Gender Affairs, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, has revealed that statues of decorated Olympians Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will be commissioned as part of the National Stadium Statue Park's development plans.

According to Grange, a total of four statues will be commissioned. The others are for former men's 100m record holder Asafa Powell and multiple Olympic medallist, Veronica Campbell-Brown.

"The ministry will commission four statues over the next two years for the following athletes - Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Asafa Powell," said Grange.

"The first two statues of Usain and Shelly-Ann will be completed in time for the Jamaica 55 Independence celebrations next year and the other two statues of Veronica Cambell-Brown and Asafa Powell for the following year," she continued.

Grange was speaking during a programme of celebration for Rio Olympians and Paralympians, at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston, yesterday, adding the statues will be of the athletes' liking.

SUBJECT TO APPROVAL

"Of course, the images will be subject to the approval of each athlete and the sculptor who is commissioned to do the work is the same sculptor who did the work for the Herb McKenley statue," she pointed out of Basil Watson.

The development plan for Independence Stadium Complex, which will include the national sports museum, according to Grange, will be done on a phased basis over a period of two years.

"There are other plans that are in the works, but at this time I will hold those announcements for the future," informed Grange.

"I will emphasise that what we are doing is not just about celebrating the achievements of our athletes by having a big party, but we also will ensure that we have legacy projects that will be a lasting tribute to their achievements," Grange stressed.

She was speaking in reference to the Heroes weekend celebrations (October 14-16) for Olympians and Paralympians from the Rio Games, recently .