Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, offered her condolences to the family of legendary Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt following the passing of his father, Wellesley Bolt, who passed away after a prolonged battle with illness.

Grange, in a statement issued late on Monday, offered some extremely kind words about the late Bolt, describing him as “the strength of his family” as well as “an exceptional and passionate father.”

“I offer my sincerest condolences to Jennifer, Usain and the rest of the Bolt family on the passing of Wellesley, or Gideon as he was so affectionately called by friends and neighbors in Trelawny,” she said.

“I found Mr. Bolt to be an exceptional and passionate father who was invested in the success of his family. He was the strength of his family. Every success that Usain has achieved can be attributed to the confidence given to him by his ever-supportive mother and father,” she added.

Grange went on to encourage the family to be comforted my memories of him during this difficult time.

“It is going to be a difficult time, but I encourage them to be comforted by the memory of a very good father.”

“Nothing beats the unconditional love of a supportive family. Wellesley and his wife Jennifer were the picture of a loving and supportive family who were always there for their son, Usain. They were Usain’s chief motivator, chief cheerleader, source of constant support, and stability,” she said.