Usain Bolt has been named Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) global ambassador, the Olympic legend vowing to do all he can to continue to promote Jamaica in a manner which will assist in further reducing poverty.

Bolt reiterated his commitment after he was announced in his new official global ambassadorial role by Director of Tourism, Donovan White.

White made the announcement at the Tourist Board’s 70th Anniversary Celebrations at Devon House in St Andrew on Thursday evening.

“I will continue to represent my country to the best of my ability. I want to thank the Tourist Board and the minister and everyone who has been part of making this happen. We have a deal but we trying to make it a lifetime, right? We going to work on that”, Bolt quipped in his address, eliciting a chuckle from the cheerful audience.

The sprint legend further underlined how important representing Jamaica on the global stage is to him.

“You should aways support your country. One of my biggest things is to always try to uplift Jamaica. At the end of the day, this is where we live. One of my biggest things is to promote Jamaica so that we can help to diminish poverty and to uplift the country. I always try to uplift Jamaica because this is a country that has helped to make me who I am, so it is always a pleasure doing good for Jamaica,” Bolt told the Jamaica Observer.

The legendary Jamaican further welcomed the appointment and reiterated that he is always in favour of trying to see Jamaica move from strength to strength.

“I look forward to making an impact as always, to put Jamaica to the world and to represent the country as best as possible and I will continue pushing to make Jamaica number one. As I said, I always try to keep the flag flying high and to make Jamaica proud. Thanks for the support as always,” Bolt remarked, drawing applause from those in attendance at the JTB’s anniversary celebration.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett specially recognised Bolt in his keynote address and hailed the retired sprinter as a distinguished Jamaican son who deserves to be lauded for his contribution to nation building .

Sports Minister Olivia Grange, Efficiency Minister Audrey Marks and State Minister of Tourism Delano Seiveright were among several high profile officials who also attended the event which commemorated the Board and saw Bolt being announced in an official role as JTB global ambassador.