HERB’S SPIRIT WILL NEVER DEPART- PRIME MINISTER GOLDING AT STATUE UNVEILING

HERB'S SPIRIT WILL NEVER DEPART- PRIME MINISTER GOLDING AT STATUE UNVEILING

Prime Minister Bruce Golding today (Nov 25) noted that the spirit of Herb Mc Kenley will forever be with Jamaica to inspire future generations.

The Prime Minister was speaking at the unveiling of the statue of the late athlete at Independence Park on November 25. President Kikwete of Tanzania currently on a State visit also participated in the unveiling.

"We may be left without Herb's physical presence. We may be forced to cling to the images imprinted on our minds of that tall, commanding figure clad in his sweat suit marshalling his charges, summoning from them every ounce of strength, stamina and grit and imbuing in them the confidence that they can win that race. But his spirit will never depart from us and the springboard he built will forever propel more and more of our young athletes to become world-class champions."

Recalling Herb McKenley's athletic achievements and later advocacy for sports development, the Prime Minister said that he was also a mentor to many.

The statue, Beyond the Tape, crafted by master sculptor Basil Watson, is installed at the front of the promenade of the National Stadium ahead of other monuments to athletes.