“The Entire Nation Mourns with You.” PM Holness Pays Tribute at Funeral of Usain Bolt’s Father
Prime Minister the Most Honourable Andrew Holness delivered a heartfelt tribute to Olympic icon Usain Bolt and his family during the funeral service for Bolt’s father, Wellesley Bolt, held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Falmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In his brief but emotional remarks, Prime Minister Holness extended condolences on behalf of the nation to the sprint legend and his loved ones, as they bid farewell to the man who helped raise the fastest human in history.
“As I entered the church and I shook Usain’s hand and looked him in the eyes, I saw his grief,” Holness said. “But I want to say to you, Usain—the entire nation mourns with you. The entire nation embraces your family and surrounds you with prayers at this difficult time.”
The Prime Minister reflected on Usain Bolt’s public words about his father, citing a past interview in which Bolt had said, “My father didn’t speak much, but when he spoke, we listened.”
“I believe that summed up the character of the man,” Holness continued, pausing briefly as Bolt managed a small smile. “Usain also said, ‘Whatever I am today, it was because of my parents.’ He gave credit to his parents.”
Holness said that as a global icon, national hero, and treasured asset, Bolt’s grief was shared by the entire country, adding, “It is not easy to be a world champion…but it all started in the home.”
The service drew a broad cross-section of Jamaican society, with several government and opposition figures in attendance. Among them were Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Horace Chang, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange, former Prime Minister Bruce Golding, and Member of Parliament for Northern Trelawny, Tova Hamilton. Members of the Parliamentary Opposition were also present.
Also paying their respects were key members of Bolt’s professional circle, including his longtime coach Glen Mills, agent Ricky Simms, physical therapist Everald Edwards and manager Nugent Walker.
Mr. Wellesley Bolt, who passed away on March 31 after battling illness, was remembered not only as the father of an athletics legend but also as a beloved community figure in Sherwood Content, Trelawny, where he was a respected businessman and a former employee of the Coffee Board.
As the Prime Minister concluded his remarks, he called on the congregation to lift the Bolt family in prayer.
“Church, hold your hands over Usain and pray for him,” Holness said. “God bless you, and thank you.”
Main photo: Prime Minister Andrew Holness greets Usain Bolt and Mrs Jennifer Bolt on his arrival at the funeral of the late Wellesley Bolt, Usain’s father who died on March 31 after a prolonged illness.
