KINGSTON, Jamaica— Sculptures of Jamaican superstars, the late reggae icon Bob Marley and sprint legend Usain Bolt are now on their way to the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

As the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) prepares for World Expo 2025, S Hotels Jamaica, which commissioned the sculptures, has allowed the JTB to use the two statutes for one year on loan at the expo. These statues were completed by the talented sculptor Scheed Cole and are permanent attractions in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

World Expo 2025 will be held under the theme: ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’. It is one of the oldest and largest international events, held every five years since 1851. A global platform for achievement, innovation, collaboration and cooperation, Jamaica will be among more than 150 participating countries and 25 international organisations in Osaka.

Danielle Shaw, manager at S Hotels, Kingston said the sculptures symbolise the extraordinary cultural and athletic legacy of our nation.

“Usain Bolt represents the boundless energy and determination of Jamaica, while Bob Marley embodies the enduring power of our music and message of peace,” Shaw said.

“This partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board is not just about showcasing our icons, it’s about showing the world the richness of Jamaica, a destination where culture and hospitality blend seamlessly,” she added.

S Hotels Jamaica has become a cultural attraction in the hospitality sector. Bolt and Marley are among several life-size statues commissioned by the group.

The Japan Association for the 2025 expo has projected that more than 25 million visitors will attend the expo, including more than 3.5 million international visitors.

Jamaica will participate under the ‘Connecting Lives’ sub theme and will invite expo visitors to its pavilion; ‘Out of Many, One People-Let’s Link Up’. The Jamaica pavilion will promote collaboration and unity in a global and inter connected environment.

Commissioner General of Section, Jamaica Pavilion Expo 2025 and Promotions and Events Officer at the Jamaica Tourist Board, Maureen Smith predicted that Usain Bolt and Bob Marley will captivate the global audience in Osaka and inspire millions at the World Expo, carrying the spirit of Jamaica across continents.

“We want to promote sustainable tourism, achieving our sustainable development goals, and how we are progressing towards Vision 2030. Tourism is a very important factor for that. Eighty per cent of the guests at the Expo will be Japanese and we want to ensure that we connect with them,” Smith said.

“The statues will be an appealing aspect of the presence of Jamaica and to have them in the same space will speak volumes. People often associate Jamaica with the talent that we have, and Bob Marley and Usain Bolt are world recognised names, that people associate with music and athletics,” Smith added.