KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaica’s rich cultural and athletic heritage will take center stage at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, with two life-size sculptures of national icons—reggae legend Bob Marley and sprinting sensation Usain Bolt—set to make their international debut.
In a collaboration between the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and S Hotels Jamaica, the sculptures, crafted by renowned local artist Scheed Cole, will be on loan for one year to the Expo, marking a significant milestone for Jamaica’s presence on the global stage. These statues, permanent fixtures in Montego Bay, will now symbolize the island’s cultural dynamism in the heart of Japan, showcasing Jamaica’s unparalleled contribution to music, athletics, and tourism.
Held every five years since 1851, the World Expo is one of the world’s oldest and largest international expositions. The 2025 edition, themed Designing Future Society for Our Lives, will bring together over 150 countries and more than 25 global organizations. For Jamaica, the event provides a unique opportunity to share its story with the world through its participation under the sub-theme Connecting Lives, emphasizing unity, collaboration, and sustainable development.
Danielle Shaw, manager at S Hotels Jamaica, expressed pride in the statues’ representation of the nation’s legacy. “Usain Bolt exemplifies Jamaica’s relentless drive and energy, while Bob Marley encapsulates the soul and peace we spread through our music,” she said. “Through this partnership with the JTB, we aim to showcase not only our cultural icons but also the spirit of Jamaica—where vibrant culture and world-class hospitality converge.”
The collaboration highlights S Hotels Jamaica’s growing role as a cultural hub, with the Bolt and Marley statues standing alongside other iconic sculptures within the hotel’s grounds, making it a must-visit destination in Montego Bay for both locals and tourists.
World Expo 2025 is expected to draw more than 25 million visitors, with a substantial international audience of over 3.5 million people. Among them, the Jamaican pavilion—Out of Many, One People—Let’s Link Up—will invite attendees to explore the island’s rich heritage, unique tourism offerings, and sustainable development goals. The pavilion aims to emphasize the interconnectedness of nations and the importance of cultural exchange.
Maureen Smith, Commissioner General of the Jamaica Pavilion at Expo 2025, believes the Bolt and Marley statues will resonate deeply with the global audience. “Usain Bolt and Bob Marley are synonymous with excellence, and their global recognition will capture the hearts and minds of visitors from all over the world,” Smith said. “These statues will serve as both cultural ambassadors and symbols of Jamaica’s commitment to sustainable tourism and development, particularly as we work towards Vision 2030.”
With the majority of Expo attendees expected to be from Japan, Smith emphasized the importance of connecting with the local audience. “The figures of Bolt and Marley will undoubtedly appeal to the Japanese public, who have a deep admiration for Jamaica’s cultural impact,” she added. “Their presence at the Expo will strengthen the relationship between Jamaica and Japan, and further cement Jamaica’s status as a global leader in music, sports, and tourism.”
As the island prepares to share its vibrant culture with the world, the unveiling of these statues at World Expo 2025 will be a momentous occasion in Jamaica’s ongoing journey to showcase its cultural, economic, and tourism potential on the global stage.
