Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
Olympians Herb McKenley (left) and Merlene Ottey talk, while Prime Minister P.J. Patterson finds something to laugh about during the unveiling of a statue in Ottey's honour at the National Stadium ,yesterday. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE STATUE of Jamaica's most decorated female sprinter, Merlene Ottey, was unveiled by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson at Independence Park, St. Andrew, yesterday.
In a 90-minute ceremony, which was attended by Portia Simpson Miller, the Minister of Local Government, Community Develop-ment and Sport, past and present Olympians and several dignitaries, the Prime Minister pulled the gold covering from the 700lb statue at approximately 4:30 p.m.
During his speech in the National Arena, which took place before the unveiling, Mr. Patterson reminded Ottey, the country's most decorated athlete, that "you are truly a legend in your time" and like Bob Marley, the best-known Jamaican male around the world, "Merlene Joyce Ottey is the female name best-known around the world".
The statue was shipped overseas to be bronzed at a cost of $2 million, which was approved by the Sports Development Foundation.
This is in addition to the $1 million, which was spent on the fibreglass casting when it was sculptured.
According to the Prime Minister, Ottey deserved this valuable work of art.
"She always displayed determi-nation and grit. Your (Ottey) success in track and field is unparalleled," Mr. Patterson said of the woman who has won 28 medals at world events for Jamaica.
YEARS OF GLORY
"A younger generation of athletes is now carrying the torch. They stand tall, proud and strong because they have been inspired by your spirit, your grace and your quiet dignity ... Merlene Ottey," Mr. Patterson said.
"Thank you for the years of glory, fame and joy that you brought to us. I want you to know that we will always love you, and no matter where you roam, here will always be your home," he said.
In her response, Ottey, who travelled with three of her Slovenian friends, thanked the Jamaican Government for the statue.
The day's event also saw the relocation of the Donald Quarrie statue in the newly created Statue Park, which already housed the combination statue of Leslie Laing, Herb McKenley, George Rhoden and Arthur Wint.
There was also an International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) presentation made to Asafa Powell for his world record run of 9.77 seconds over 100m on June 14. Prime Minister Patterson made the presentation to Powell in the presence of the IAAF area representative Neville 'Teddy' McCook.
