Trelawny still awaits VCB tribute

Western Bureau:

While the recently retired Veronica Campbell-Brown is regarded as one of the greatest female sprinters of all time, many believe that enough has not been done to preserve her legacy, especially in her native parish of Trelawny.

VCB, as she is also known, announced her retirement from track and field on Wednesday, after a two-decade-long career. She won eight Olympic medals across five Games and 11 World Championships medals, making her one of the most decorated athletes in history.

Sport Minister Olivia Grange said in 2018 that VCB’s alma mater, Troy Primary School in Trelawny, would be renamed in tribute to her.

VCB’s sister, Kemesha Campbell, said that renaming Troy Primary would be an honour but also that the statue of Usain Bolt should be in Water Square, Trelawny, rather than by the Falmouth Pier, and one of her siblings should be placed beside it.

“People can’t access the pier unless you’re coming off a [cruise] ship or get a day pass,” she said. “In Water Square, people can remember that these two individuals from the parish made significant contributions to the country. Naming the school in Troy off her would be outstanding. It would benefit the community and its children to serve as motivation.”

VCB’s father, Cecil Campbell, says she is well-loved in the community.

“If you go anywhere and call her name, people talk about when she was running,” he said. “People are proud to know that she is from Clarks Town.”

Honour

Kemesha also suggested that the roads in Clarks Town be fixed in her honour and one renamed if possible.

“In the community, we have problems with the road being in very deplorable condition,” she said. “What about fixing the road in her honour, and if they want to, name somewhere in her honour. If not the naming, just fix it in her honour. People will remember that it’s when Veronica retired that the road was fixed.”

Falmouth Mayor Colin Gager said he is confident that VCB’s legacy will be honoured in the parish.

“The last time I spoke with Minister Grange, she had some plans and, of course, one was the renaming of the school, so I know it will be done,” he said. “I am sure that her legacy will be honoured. I guess now that she has announced her retirement, people will be looking around to see what is being done.

“She is one of those athletes who were able to put Jamaica in the spotlight. Trelawny has accomplished much and is fortunate to have a Usain Bolt and Veronica Campbell-Brown. The whole parish is proud of her and to associate with her, especially the people in Clarks Town, and south Trelawny (Troy).

Farmer and shop owner in Clarks Town Clive Bennett said she is one of their heroes and he, too, would want to see a statue of her in the parish.

“She really did well for Jamaica, so in the parish, they can do something for her,” he said. “She and Bolt are Trelawny heroes. A down a Falmouth them must put the statue.”

VCB was honoured by the Government with a statue sculpted by Basil Watson and placed at Independence Park in 2019.

sports@gleanerjm.com