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By Andre Lowe- As investigations intensify around the multi-billion-dollar fraud case at Stocks and Securities Limited which has affected several Jamaicans, including sprinting icon Usain Bolt, Minister of Sports Olivia “Babsy” Grange and national football star Leon Bailey have weighed in on the situation, calling for a thorough inquiry and resolution to the matter.
Grange, who has been in contact with Bolt and his team since news broke last Wednesday that one of Jamaica’s most recognisable exports had been fleeced of close to $2 billion, says she is devastated by the incident and is hoping to provide whatever support possible. Grange says that she is hoping for a positive resolution for Bolt and all of those affected by the situation.
“The matter is so sensitive that I really can’t comment in relation to specifics or details but what I can say is that what I’ve heard, what I’ve read in the press, is frightening,” Grange told the Jamaica Observer.
“The prime minister condemned it, the minister of finance condemned it, I’m condemning it, and I’m saying it’s horrible and it’s atrocious. It has devastated me certainly and I can imagine how Usain and those around him must feel. I’m here to give whatever support I can to them.
“I’m in touch and I’m just hoping and praying that they will come out of this and it would not have been a major loss for Usain when it all is resolved,” Grange noted.
The eight-time Olympic champion and world record holder in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m has been largely silent on the matter since, with just a couple of cryptic social media posts from his official accounts since the news surfaced.
“In a world of lies … Where is the truth? The history [of] evil … What is the root? …MONEY #CrypticWorld,” Bolt posted to Instagram on January 16, referencing one of his recordings.
Bolt on Saturday posted a photo of himself wearing his three gold medals from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with the caption “Earned … Not Given.”
Bailey, who plays for Aston Villa in the Premier League and who is a close friend of Bolt, condemned the situation and implored the authorities to ensure that all the necessary corrective measures are exhausted.
“I think what’s happening to Usain now is very unfortunate and things like this should not have been happening, especially to a public figure like Usain Bolt who has done so much for the country,” Bailey said.
“I think the Government or whoever is in charge needs to take responsibility for this and ensure … [that Bolt] gets back his money,” Bailey added. “He is the face of Jamaica … stuff like this should not be happening.”
Meanwhile, Grange is encouraging sportsmen and women to continue to trust the financial systems and ensure that they invest in their future, despite recent cases of fraud at established organisations.
“I would ask that we continue to have faith in the financial sector here in Jamaica and that those who are earning should save for a rainy day — just make sure they get the right advice. Make sure they deal with institutions that have a tradition of being stable and successful, and that is important to plan; estate planning is important,” said Grange.
“Your pension is important; you have to make sure you plan for your family and you provide some security for them for the future — and I will still encourage our athletes who are in a position to do so and not to lose faith.
“What has happened is very disappointing. What has happened is still, I would say, surreal. And all I can do is hope and pray that whatever corrective measures that are going to be taken will result in the matter being sorted out so that Usain [Bolt] can certainly achieve what he wanted for his family and for his future,” said Grange. (Jamaica Observer)
