Unsatisfied With Jamaican Authorities, Usain Bolt Gains Track and Field Community’s Support: ‘Shame on Them’

The promise was to deliver rapid relief from the ongoing crisis, with the Jamaican Financial Services Commission even ready to call in the FBI to tackle a massive case of financial fraud. However, after a year and a half of efforts, the situation has remained bleak, leaving Usain Bolt numb after losing a significant chunk of his retirement fund. This frustrating ordeal has pushed the sprinting maestro to open up and sharpen his words, directing his frustrations at the authorities who have shown a reluctance to deliver justice.

Reports indicate that in January of last year, Usain Bolt became a victim of financial fraud involving a Kingston-based investment firm. His agency had been in business with the firm since 2012 without any red flags until January 2023. That’s when Bolt learned he had lost a staggering $12 million from his account deposited in Stock and Securities Limited (SSL) with the last review revealing a pitiful $12,000 remaining. Talk about a shockwave—imagine the heartache!

Since then, Usain and his lawyer have been on the hunt for answers. Initially, Nigel Clarke, the financial minister, tried to soothe the victims by acknowledging the callousness of the fraudsters. He noted, “The fact that the (suspects) seemed to have deliberately and heartlessly targeted elderly persons, as well as our much loved and respected national icon … Usain Bolt.” However, despite the sympathy, Bolt has yet to see a single penny returned to him.

Now, Clarke is on the verge of shifting to the International Monetary Fund for a new role, while the legend himself is still waiting for justice. In a poignant post on X, he expressed, “Broken words not broken records,” a nod to his legacy that remains intact even amid this turmoil. Meanwhile, his fans have rallied around him, with one supporter lamenting, “Wow….shame on them.” And honestly, can you blame them? The frustration is evident, and the call for accountability is louder than ever!

According to Linton P. Gordon, over 200 accounts have been reported as victims of this financial fraud, yet so far, only one individual has been charged. Gordon noted that his client, Usain Bolt’s company, Welljen, has filed a lawsuit against the investment firm SSL and Jean-Ann Panton, the former client relationship manager. Notably, she’s the only one facing charges at this point, which raises eyebrows given the scale of the crime.

Nigel Clarke has gone to great lengths to emphasize the severity of the situation. He didn’t hold back, warning the perpetrators about the consequences of their actions: “If you rob depositors or you defraud investors … and you put our financial system and our way of life at risk, the Jamaican society wants you put away for a long time.” Bold words, right? But the results so far? Zero. This has only fueled frustration among Usain Bolt’s fans, who are rallying behind their idol in hopes that justice will eventually prevail.

Track and field fans are casting their votes, and the consensus is clear: Usain Bolt is unbreakable!

For the past few days, Usain Bolt has been dropping cryptic posts on his social media. Naturally, that has made his fans worry about the situation. The legend even posted, “time is longer than rope”, teasing the Jamaican sentiment. Actually, in Jamaican culture, the adage means the demand of being patient before a suitable time comes. However, his fans sympathize with Usain Bolt, who has already been waiting for the last one and a half years. So, such a long wait can make the patience feeble. Despite the uncertainty, fans are stepping up as Bolt’s rock during this turbulent time. One devoted follower commented, “Don’t stop bolt.” At the same time, others have shown his towering feats. 

As the greatest sprinter of all time, Bolt still holds the world record in short-distance sprints and remains the only athlete to achieve a thrice-double at the Olympics. Fans firmly believe that those records are untouchable, no matter the obstacles. In a fitting tribute, another supporter noted, “Even if the words break, the legacy never will. Legends speak through actions, not just records.”

That really highlights the unwavering support Usain Bolt has been receiving, even while he’s keeping a low profile. His fans are all in, and they’re convinced this support will stick around for the long haul, thanks to the lasting impact he’s made on the sport. One fan summed it up perfectly: “That can’t be broken.”However, the reality remains that, despite all the encouragement, there hasn’t been any positive news emerging just yet.