5 shockers about the fraud scandal that hit Usain Bolt

By now the world has heard that some USD $12.8 million has been stolen from an account that Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt had at local investment firm Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL).

Investigations are still ongoing and new details are yet to come. But eversince the news broke earlier in January, there are a number of details sorrounding the case that are shocking. Here are 5 details about the fraud case that is affecting Usain Bolt that are quite shocking:

1. There has been no official statement from Prime Minister Andrew Holness

This is very shocking. I’m not sure if Prime Minister Andrew Holness is gathering high level information and is prepapring to make a life-changing statement about the financial abuse Bolt has suffered. But it is rather strange that the head of the country has not personally denounced an unlawful act against one of Jamaica’s biggest ambassadors. We know Finance Minister Nigel Clarke has made a statement. But it isn’t the same.

2. No perpretrator has been identified to date

I find it rather shocking that the one person who has confessed to stealing money from SSL did not mention Bolt in her now-infamous confession statement. So if it wasn’t her, who did it? There aren’t even talks about the repercussions that the owners of the firm might face. We don’t know where to lay the blame because no one has been named. It’s rather strange and shocking.

3. The number of Jamaicans who feel like they’re being robbed by financial institutions. 

Honestly, we should all be worried about the society we’re creating . The number of Jamaicans who have said they feel like they’ve been robbed or are being robbed by the major financial institutions in the country is quite appalling. It’s sad that so many Jamaicans feel like they can identify with Bolt despite the fact that most of the population doesn’t have his wealth.

4. The disregard for Usain Bolt’s celebrity

I don’t believe the fraud case is being giving the attention it deserves. Do the owners of SSL and the Jamaican authorities even know how big Usain Bolt is? Usain Bolt is one of the biggest celebrities in the world and he will remain that way as long as his many record remain unbroken. Usain Bolt has done a tremendous amount to lift Brand Jamaica and the sport of Track and Field. The injustice Bolt is enduring has the potential to damage Jamaica’s already fragile reputation and it is something we should see as critical. I just don’t think the relevant authorities and players in this matter see it this way.

5. It doesn’t seems Bolt’s told how money will be repaid to date

Bolt left a cryptic message: “deafening silence” on his social media pages recently. It has made me wonder whether anyone has reached out to him to chart a way forward and tell this man how his hard-earned money will be repaid. I don’t believe he has been given any assurance because if steps were being taken behind closed doors I don’t believe the allegations would have hit the media and I definitely don’t think Bolt would have given them a 10-day ultimatum.

I truly hope this situation works out in Bolt’s favour because a win for him would represent the hope we need as a Jamaican people. This man has done nothing but good for our country and deserves to be treated with nothing but respect and honour. May Bolt recover his funds and get 10-fold riches. More importantly, may justice and truth be ours forever.

Jamaica land we love.