“On behalf of the Government and People of Jamaica I sincerely want to express my great appreciation for being invited to be a part of the ceremony for this very significant contract signing between the Shitamachi Bobsleigh Project in Japan and our own Jamaica Bobsleigh Federation,” she said.

Minister Grange noted that the Shitamachi Bobsleigh is superbly crafted and with design input and modification to be made by the Jamaica Bobsleigh team, she anticipates great exploits at the 2018 Olympic Games. She added that, with Japanese craftsmanship and technology and the Jamaica Bobsleigh brand, it will be “Cool Runnings” every time the Jamaican Shitamachi sled touches ice as she looks forward to great victories in 2018 and beyond. 

“Already, my Ministry in collaboration with the Jamaica Bobsleigh Federation is exploring how we can tap into the synergies of my culture, entertainment and sport portfolios to create a product that will be the hallmark for the Pyeongchang 2018 Games.  I am excited at the prospects that this partnership can produce,” she explained.

The Minister congratulated His Excellency Masanori Nakano, Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, the Shitamachi Joint Venture and the Jamaica Bobsleigh Federation for taking what she described as a ‘leap of faith’ and for their vision to establish such a partnership. She also thanked the Prime Minister of Japan for the level of interest he has taken in the project.

“I am also aware that Prime Minister Abe has taken a keen interest in this project and so on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I want to thank him for the continued interest and goodwill that he has expressed to us as a country,” she said.

Jamaica and Japan began diplomatic relations 52 years ago and have since, both benefited from excellent relations in cooperation, friendship and trade.

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