The Jamaican government has expressed sadness at the passing of Wellesley Bolt, the father of sprint icon Usain Bolt, who has been described as a man who deeply loved his family.
Wellesley Bolt passed away on Monday at the age of 68.
In a tribute, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness stated that his presence, support, and guidance helped shape a legacy that continues to inspire the world.
“Mr Bolt was the father of a global icon and a strong, quiet force behind one of Jamaica’s greatest sons,” Holness said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“Usain, we have all witnessed the deep love and respect you’ve always shown for your family. You celebrated them with pride, and in doing so, you reminded us of the importance of family in our own lives.
“As you grieve this great loss, the prayers and support of an entire nation are with you. We mourn with you, we stand with you, and we honour the memory of your father alongside you,” he stated.
On her part, Sport Minister Olivia Grange described Wellesley Bolt as an exceptional and passionate father who was deeply invested in the success of his family.
“Wellesley and his wife, Jennifer, were the picture of a loving and supportive family who were always there for their son, Usain. They were Usain’s chief motivators, chief cheerleaders, and a constant source of support and stability,” Grange said in a statement on Monday.
“It is going to be a difficult time, but I encourage them to be comforted by the memory of a very good father.”
Meanwhile, the ruling Jamaica Labour Party has also paid tribute to Bolt.
“To Usain and his family, we extend our heartfelt condolences. We pray that the sting of death is significantly reduced over time. We are confident that the great architect of the universe, Almighty God, will provide the entire Bolt family with solace in this time of bereavement,” said party chairman Robert Montague.
He stated that the party, and indeed the entire nation of Jamaica, is grateful to Wellesley Bolt, the patriarch of the Bolt family, for his contribution to community development and for playing a major role in the rise of Jamaica’s most iconic sportsman.
“Wellesley departed this world knowing that, in Usain, he has produced a legendary Jamaican ambassador who continues to show that greatness is characterized by discipline, perseverance, humility, and excellence—attributes Usain no doubt obtained, in part, from his late father.”
Jamaica Gleaner
