Kingston Honours Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce with Key to the City
By: , February 14, 2025
Photo: Michael Sloley
Jamaican sprint legend, Hon. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, waves to students from the Wolmer's Trust High School for Girls. The students lined Marescaux Road in Kingston on Thursday (February 13), cheering and celebrating the sprint legend, as she made her way to the Douglas Oraine Auditorium, Wolmer's Boys' School, for a special ceremony, where she was presented with the Key to the City by the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC
Photo: Michael Sloley
Jamaican sprint legend, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (left) is presented with the Key to the City by Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew A. Swaby (right), during a special recognition ceremony held at the Douglas Oraine Auditorium, Wolmer's Boys' School, Kingston, on Thursday (February 13). Sharing the moment in the background are Councillors Tosha Schwapp (second left) and Eugene Kelly.
Photo: Michael Sloley
Jamaican sprint legend, Hon. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (right), presents a cheque for US$50,000 to Principal of the Wolmer's Trust High School for Girls, Colleen Montague. Occasion was a ceremony held at the Douglas Oraine Auditorium, Wolmer's Boys' School, Kingston, on Thursday (February 13), where Mrs. Fraser-Pryce was presented with the Key to the City by the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC).The Full Story
Multi-times Olympic champion and sprint legend, Hon. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, has been bestowed with the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation’s highest honour, the Key to the City.
The special recognition ceremony, held on Thursday (February 13) at the Douglas Oraine Auditorium, Wolmer’s Boys’ School, Kingston, celebrated Mrs. Fraser-Pryce’s extraordinary achievements and enduring impact on Jamaica and the world of athletics.
Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew A. Swaby, who made the presentation, emphasised the significance of the award.
“This is not an honour that is handed out lightly. It’s a distinction reserved for those who have made an enduring impact on our city, our nation, and our people. Shelly-Ann’s story is one of resilience, determination, and excellence,” he said.
Mrs. Fraser-Pryce, affectionately called “Pocket Rocket”, expressed her profound gratitude at the honour and commitment to inspiring future generations.
“I am beyond grateful, Mayor, for this honour and I don’t take this lightly because I believe in impact. I believe in making sure that the next generation that comes after me [is inspired],” she said.
The sprint sensation announced a donation of US$50,000 to Wolmer’s Trust High School for Girls, her alma mater.
“It’s not about just amassing success and fame and everything for yourself; it’s about giving back; it’s about just making sure that the next person after you is better,” she emphasised.
Reflecting on her journey and future aspirations, Mrs. Fraser-Pryce said she continues “to just forge on with strength, humility and grace, knowing that God is not finished; knowing that there’s more to come, whether it’s on the track or off the track”.
Her former coach, Michael Carr, used the platform to encourage youth from all backgrounds to pursue excellence “whether you are from Beverly Hills, up in Norbrook, in Tivoli, Jungle or Waterhouse. To all the girls here, you can make it in life; where you come from does not determine who you are. It is your ambition and discipline – that is what takes you to where you want to go”.
The ceremony not only celebrated Mrs. Fraser-Pryce’s athletic prowess but also her dedication to community service and youth empowerment.