Fri | Dec 12, 2025

Spelling error in signs for Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Drive corrected

Published:Monday | May 26, 2025 | 10:53 AM
Contractor putting up corrected Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Drive sign.
Contractor putting up corrected Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Drive sign.

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has corrected the error in the spelling of sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's surname on the newly-erected signs for the road renamed in her honour.

Ashoka Road in Waterhouse has been renamed Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Drive, however, when the signs were unveiled during a ceremony on Sunday it was discovered that her surname was incorrectly spelt as 'Fraser-Price'.

The KSAMC apologised for the error and promised to have the corrections done as soon as possible.

Speaking on Monday morning after the issue was rectified, Chief Executive Officer at the KSAMC, Robert Hill, again apologised to the sprint icon and the community.

"Here we are today. The sign contractors have come and changed all the signs...and I just want to again extend my sincere and heartfelt apologies to the honourable Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, to the residents of Ashoka Road, now known as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Drive and the residents of Waterhouse in general, indeed, the entire Jamaica for the error that was caused. And we are happy that she accepted our apology very well in good spirits and that we are here making the corrections as we indeed committed" he said.

One resident, Charmaine, was quick to forgive saying "Everybody was talking yesterday about the spelling of the name. Simple matter, a God alone nuh mek no mistake enuh. Anybody can mek a mistake, and see it deh now, gone up good now, so, weh unnuh have fi seh?"

Another resident, Oneil, who said he was a relative of Fraser-Pryce, said the mistake was a "small mishap and within less than 12 hours...see it there now, gone up back".

The renaming of the road is in recognition of Fraser-Pryce’s stellar achievements in track and field, and unwavering dedication and contribution to the Waterhouse community and the wider Jamaica.

Born and raised on Ashoka Road, Fraser-Pryce is a 10-time World Champion and has secured eight Olympic medals.

She is the only sprinter, male or female, to win five world titles in the 100-metre (2009, 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2022).

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