Inside Usain Bolt’s ambassadorial role in Jamaica’s post-hurricane recovery
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 30.12.25. | 15:22
Bolt’s voice carries weight not just because of his national pride, but also due to his unmatched sporting legacy
Sprint legend Usain Bolt has stepped to the forefront of Jamaica’s recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, using his global profile to rally international support for his homeland.
Bolt, who serves as Jamaica’s Global Tourism Ambassador, has urged people around the world to visit the Caribbean nation as a way of supporting its recovery.
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In recent weeks, he has featured prominently in advertising campaigns showcasing Jamaica’s culture, cuisine, music and picturesque landscapes, reinforcing the message that the island remains open and welcoming despite the setbacks.
Although he retired from competitive athletics in 2017, Bolt took on a new national role this year when he was unveiled as Jamaica’s Global Tourism Ambassador by Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett at the Jamaica Tourist Board’s 70th anniversary celebrations at Devon House.
In August, he further amplified that role by fronting an international ad campaign highlighting the country’s unique identity and attractions.
That responsibility took on greater urgency after Hurricane Melissa struck on 28 October 2025.
The slow-moving Category 5 storm left a trail of destruction across the island, causing nearly $130 million (approximately Kshs 20.8 billion) in infrastructure damage and claiming more than 45 lives.
Around 90,000 people were displaced, with over 1,000 still housed in emergency shelters weeks later.
Several regions remain without electricity, prompting the prime minister to declare the situation a national disaster.
In the aftermath, Bolt took to his X account with a heartfelt appeal, encouraging people to stand with Jamaica by visiting the country and supporting its tourism sector.
“Well well people, Hurricane Melissa tested us, but did not break us. As we say as Jamaicans, we are little but we are tall,” Bolt said in a video message.
Beyond advocacy, Bolt and his team have also provided direct support to affected communities.
He revealed on social media that they reached out to residents in hard-hit areas and delivered 400 mattresses to families in Black River and West Holland.
“The best way to support us is to visit us. So book your ticket and come to Jamaica. Jamaica is open,” he added, while inviting visitors to experience local cuisine, music and beaches.
“Have you ever tried our food? Curry goat, some jerk chicken, some soup on the roadside, and the wonderful music, the awesome beaches.”
Bolt’s voice carries weight not just because of his national pride, but also due to his unmatched sporting legacy.
He etched his name into athletics history at the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin, where he clocked a world record 9.58 seconds in the 100m and 19.19 seconds in the 200m marks that still stand.
Across his career, Bolt has amassed 15 Guinness World Records, including the fastest 4x100m relay time of 36.84 seconds with the Jamaican team at the London 2012 Olympics.
He also won six IAAF World Athlete of the Year awards between 2008 and 2016 and became the youngest male junior world champion at just 15 years and 332 days during the 2002 World Junior Championships in Kingston.
Turning professional in 2004, Bolt rose to global stardom at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he won gold in both the 100m and 200m.
He repeated the double in London 2012 and again in Rio 2016, completing the famed “triple-triple” of three gold medals at three consecutive Olympic Games.
Although a later doping case involving a teammate led to the forfeiture of one relay gold, Bolt’s official Olympic record stands at eight gold medals.
His World Championships résumé is equally remarkable, featuring 11 gold medals, two silvers and one bronze.
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