WORLD phenom Usain Bolt on Wednesday unveiled his German gift of a piece of the Berlin Wall at the military museum of the Jamaica Defence Force. His piece of the wall, for long a symbol of division in Germany, but since dismantled, represents the hope of peace and was in recognition of Bolt’s exploits at last year’s Berlin World Championships, when the 6ft-5in Jamaican broke the world record in the 100m (9.58sec) and 200m (19.19sec).

Bolt’s gift stands at 12ft high and 3ft wide, weighing about two tonnes (or over 4,400 lbs).

Noting that the fall of the Berlin Wall signified the end of an oppressive era, Bolt said he hoped as an athlete he would be “able to unify nations by performing to the best of my abilities at all times”.

“My experience in Berlin was a wonderful experience… On the track was just amazing for me, the first time running on a blue track. I loved the crowd, they were extremely supportive of me.

“I went out there and gave it my best. It was my best performance… I still feel good to look at YouTube and see my performance, and it really still gives me shivers,” said Bolt.

“I would also like to thank the city of Berlin and the government of Germany for this wonderful present. Somebody told me that it was probably 2ft tall… and when I actually saw it I said ‘Oh my God’,” explained Bolt, who opens his 2010 season this weekend at the sixth staging of the Camperdown Classic at the National Stadium.

Meanwhile, Sports Minister Olivia Grange, who also has responsibility for Culture, said Bolt’s management team should consult her on plans for a permanent home for the iconic Berlin Wall gift.

“I’m told it’s to be a temporary home and other plans are being finalised for its permanent home. In the meantime, people from all over the world can come and share this special gift,” added Grange.

She described Bolt as “God’s gift to Jamaica and the world of track and field”.

Major General Stewart Saunders, chief of defence staff of the JDF, said the wall was “indicative of the hope we all hold that peace can overcome all adversities”.

Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Alexandra Consten said Bolt “had made a lasting impression on me, personally, the entire city of Berlin and all of Germany”.

Also speaking was president of the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association, Howard Aris who noted the Jamaican links with the city of Berlin.

Lt Colonel Desmond Edwards, Commanding Officer, Support and Serices Battalion of the JDF, gave the welcome and opening remarks, with Carole Beckford chairing the function.