Bolt's community lies in neglect
Published:Saturday | October 1, 2011 | 12:00 AM
... Sherwood Content residents not content with lack of development
Mark Titus, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Despite being the home community of the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, Sherwood Content in Trelawny continues to be ignored as the residents' pleas for the remote village to be developed into a tourist attraction seemingly are ignored.
Bolt first proved his credentials on the world stage by winning the 200 metres before a home crowd in Kingston at the IAAF World Junior Championships. He later rose to prominence after shattering the 100-metre and 200-metre world records at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China, in 2008. He repeated the feat at the World Championships in Berlin, Germany, the following year, becoming one of the world's most popular athletes in the process.
"It is a disgrace. Nothing has been done to symbolise his achievements in his hometown, not even a monument or a piece of stick to say this is the hometown of the world's fastest man," said the track star's aunt, Lillian 'Aunt Lilly' Bolt.
"So many tourists come here on a daily basis to find out more about Bolt, but the authorities have failed to capitalise on his success. They are missing a grand opportunity for Jamaica and for the economy of Sherwood Content to grow."
Opportunity being missed
Mayor Collen Gager, chairman of the Trelawny Parish Council, agrees that the opportunity is being missed to capitalise on Bolt's fame, but believes that the community can still benefit.
"I do agree that it can be one of the biggest drawing cards in the parish, but it would have to be a community-driven exercise," he said.
Gager was unable to say why, with all the development in the parish capital - including the region's newest cruise-ship pier in Falmouth - Sherwood Content was not included.
"The council has been discussing it. We must take advantage of our position."
According to Aunt Lilly, some improvements to the area, except for the patching of the road for his arrival, were done or spearheaded by Bolt. These include underwriting the $120,000 bill to rewire the Sherwood Content Basic School, and contributing $1.4 million of the $3.5 million used to refurbish the Sherwood Content Health Centre. He also donated fire-safety equipment to five basic schools in and around his community.
She also disclosed that Bolt would be renovating the community centre, but his dream project for the area is to build a multi-purpose complex, including a museum for visitors. This would provide employment opportunities for some residents in the community.
Even as she spoke, a vehicle with a group of tourists passed her home heading in the direction of the dwelling of Bolt's parents.
"That is Lillian Bolt's house, aunt of Usain," an announcer with the group said over a loudspeaker.
Kingsley Titer, a senior community member, told Western Focus that the development opportunities were a no-brainer.
"Many are curious about the yam and come to sample what it is that is said to make Usain go so fast, but there is no such facility in place to satisfy the curiosity," said Titer.
"Some of the biggest dignitaries in this country, both in govern-ment and the private sector, were eager to rub shoulders with the young man when he and the other athletes put Jamaica on a high, but when it comes to the community, not even a monument or a piece of stick with a sign to say this is Bolt's country."
He is also disappointed that there has been no attempt to give Waldensia Primary School a proper playing field.
Attempts to contact Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett were unsuccessful, and the acting executive director of the Tourism Product Development Company did not return our calls as requested.
Rich history
Bolt aside, the community has strong ecotourism or heritage-tourism potential having a rich post-colonial history and several dilapidated 19th-century houses dating back to the days of William Knibb.
"All it really takes is smart governance. Everyone would benefit and our economy would improve," offered Wellesley Bolt, the track star's father.
Aunt Lilly is questioning why the chunk of Berlin Wall given to her nephew by the people of the German capital has been placed at the Jamaica Defence Force headquarters in St Andrew.
"That piece of wall should have been taken to Sherwood Content and placed among us as an attraction for our visitors. For me, there is no doubt that they do not care about us."