TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, on Friday visited the redesigned fountain at Falmouth’s historic Water Square, where a replica of the statue of legendary sprinter Usain Bolt was recently mounted.

Minister Grange confirmed that although the Bolt statue has already been installed, the official unveiling will not take place until the renovation project – now 95 per cent complete – is fully finished. The area remains enclosed and closed to the public.

“I want to highlight the fact that we’re not going to have the official open until everything is complete. But at the earliest possible time, we will remove the enclosure so that the people can see the statue,” Grange told reporters, adding “That will happen very soon, but until we are satisfied that the landscaping is complete, that the water from the fountain is at its maximum, and we are satisfied with the lighting, we will not have the official opening.

“But as soon as we have reached a certain level, we will remove the enclosure so that the people can see and enjoy,” Grange said.

The redesigned fountain will feature eight spouts from which water will jet into the air. Two storyboards – one of the iconic athlete who is a native of Trelawny, and the other of Water Square -will also be placed at the fountain in the pedestrianised area of the town centre.

The design of the original fountain, which dates back to 1805, has evolved over the years. The newly designed fountain will be lit up in different colours to commemorate national holidays such as Emancipation and Christmas days.

Minister Grange was elated that the project is almost completed and extended her gratitude to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), the Forestry Department and the Tourism Product Development Company Limited for working with the TMC in the project.

“I’m here today doing a site visit here in Water Square, Falmouth, where we have erected the replica of the Usain Bolt statue, which is on display at the National Stadium. I’m here with Mayor Gager, who has been leading the charge in having the replica erected, having Water Square renovated, and ensuring that we fulfill our commitment of having the Usain Bolt statue in Water Square,” Grange said.

“It has taken a little while because of technical difficulties, but we have finally been able to get the access on the facility for the water for the fountain to be completed, and for the area to be landscaped,” she added.

Mayor of Falmouth and chairman of the Trelawny Municipal Corporation (TMC), Councillor C Junior Gager, who along with members of the municipality accompanied Grange to the site in Water Square, was equally thrilled that the long-awaited project is almost complete.

“I am happy for this moment that we have reached thus far, and I want to say thanks to Minister Grange and the team for sticking with us and believing in us, working with us so that we can now finally see the project coming near to fruition,” Gager said.

“Minister [Grange] was the person who fought for this statue to be in Water Square. Other persons were asking for it to be on the port, and Minister stood up and said, “No, it belongs in the square where all the people are able to view it”. And so I’m happy that it is nearing that time when the official opening will be staged,” he added.

Bolt, a native of Sherwood Content in the parish, holds world records in the 100 and 200 metres, as well as the 4x100m relay.

In his decorated career, Bolt won eight Olympic and 11 world championships gold medals.

-Horace Hines