The Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport has said that Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce stands tall among those Jamaicans who by sheer talent, unbridled energy, tenacity and persistence have indeed brought glory to our country and astonished the world.

Minister Grange, who was speaking at the unveiling of the Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce Statute at the National Stadium on Sunday 14^th October, said, “she brings to focus to what has been achieved in national output by women of substance, women who were never daunted by the circumstances of their beginnings, but who understood that through faith in God and self they could outdo themselves and shine.” 

Miss Grange said of Shelly Ann, who is regarded by some as the greatest female sprinter of all times, that her story “is one of the many narratives of the Jamaican woman who remained steadfast in the belief in her inherent abilities. She is among the great Jamaican women who were born in lowly circumstances, but who set out to play their part on the great human stage of activity where stars are created and acclaimed.  

“In doing so, Shelly Ann has become a model for girls and young women from similar circumstances across Jamaica.  She is one of the modern-day heroes whose accomplishments are an inspiration for the entire nation.” 

The Sport Minister expressed the gratitude of the Ministry and the nation to Mr. Basil Watson, sculptor, for the work he has continued to do in ensuring that the nation’s heroes are suitably saluted and remembered. 

“We also use the opportunity to salute the managers and administrators of the nation’s sports who have, by their determination, vision and conviction, succeeded in providing the support needed for Shelly Ann and all our athletes to excel as they have done.  Among these, allow me to mention the Jamaica Olympics Association, the Institute of Sports, the Sports Development Foundation, and, last but by no means least, the indefatigable, internationally acclaimed MVP Track and Field Club. 

“Finally, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport is pleased to have led the charge in paying homage and due respect to our outstanding elite athletes.  Yesterday, it was Hon. Usain Bolt.  Today it is Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce.  Tomorrow it will be Asafa Powell and Veronica Campbell Brown. 

‘May those, especially our children, who pass by, look up and be inspired by the exciting heritage garnered for us by our beloved Pocket Rocket, Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce,”
Minister Grange concluded.