Web Site of the Jamaica Defence Force

The Honourable Usain Bolt’s 12-ft Berlin Wall gift is now in the care of the Jamaica Defence Force. The world’s sprint star unveiled the German gift on Wednesday 10 February 2010 at the Jamaican Military Museum and Library, Up Park Camp.

The huge monument, which bears Bolt’s image and has the words “NEW WR” – new world record – was given to him for his outstanding performance in last year’s Berlin World Championships, where he broke the world record in the 100m (9.58secs) and 200m (19.19secs).

Minister the Honourable Olivia Grange, Chief of Defence Staff Major
General Stewart Saunders, The Honourable Usain Bolt,
Lieutenant Colonel Desmond Edwards Commanding Officer
Support and Services Battalion, a representative
of the German Embassy and Norman Peart observing the Usain Bolt monument.

Members of the track and field fraternity, the media and officials from the German Embassy came out to witness the unveiling of the chunk of the Berlin Wall at the Museum.

Looking at the over two tonnes of the Berlin Wall and noting its significance, Major General Stewart Saunders, Chief of Defence Staff of the JDF thanked Ambassador Bolt for entrusting his gift in the care of the JDF.

The Honourable Usain Bolt OJ posing for a photograph
at the unveiling of the Berlin Wall monument in Up Park Camp.

“We will preserve it and facilitate its accessibility to the Jamaican people and indeed our visitors from overseas,” he said.

In giving his response to such a symbolic gesture, the Hon. Bolt thanked the German Government for “giving me a piece of the Berlin Wall as a gift”. “Somebody told me that it was probably 12ft tall and when I actually saw it I said ‘Oh my God’,” Bolt explained.

“Performing in the Berlin games meant a lot to me… as it was the first time I was running on a blue track,” he went on to say.

The Honourable Usain Bolt OJ, signing the Guest Book
at the Jamaican Military Museum and Library.

“Usain is God’s gift to Jamaica and to the world of track and field,” said the Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports. “His performance has transformed the sport,” she added.

The Sports Minister revealed that Bolt’s gift will remain at the Military Museum until plans for a permanent home are finalized.

After the formalities, Lieutenant Colonel Desmond Edwards, Commanding Officer of the Support and Services Battalion, who earlier gave the Welcome and Opening Remarks, gave Bolt a tour of the Jamaican Military Museum and Library.