Speaking in Parliament, Golding said Bolt will also be given the country’s fourth highest honour, the Order of Jamaica (OJ) and appointed Ambassador at Large with full diplomatic status.

While many have lauded the news, lecturer in Communication Studies at the University of Technology (UTECH), Martin Henry stated that some of the honours being bestowed on Bolt should be reserved for someone who has delivered a lifetime of distinction.

“Bolt is 23 years old, (anything can) happen over the next 40 years of his life in terms of future accomplishments which he may or may not have ….. certainly when you name outstanding things after outstanding people, you’ll want this kind of high credibility factor to be retained,” he said.

According to Henry, the highway should be named in honour of former Prime Minister PJ Patterson.

“…..If anybody deserves to have their name attached to the highway it should be the retired politician, (who’s) still fit and able but has a long track record of political accomplishments and who was the principal architect of this system,” Henry said.

Concerning the national award, Henry believes that the National Awards Committee should look at a new category to honour achievers such as Bolt.

Meanwhile, it is being reported that questions have been asked about the government’s authority to rename Highway 2000 as the highway is still under the control of the French firm Bouygues and permission may have to be sought in order for the name to be changed. 

Bouygues is part owner of the highway and has a 35-year concession on its development.