KINGSTON, Jamaica — In an unusual move, Mayor Andrew Swaby has announced that the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) will be handing the keys to the city to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce despite the track icon already receiving the symbolic honour in 2008.

The announcement was made at a meeting of the KSAMC on Tuesday. Swaby said Fraser-Pryce will be handed the keys during a ceremony scheduled for Thursday morning at Wolmer’s High.

Letters

NLA committed to highest level of service

March 17, 2025

Dear Editor, The National Land Agency (NLA) wishes to respond to the letter to the editor titled ‘Get your act together, Titles Office!’ published in ...

{"xml":"xml"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}

Should the event transpire, it will be the second time that Fraser-Pryce is handed the keys to the city.

In 2008, the track star was among several Jamaican athletes, including Usain Bolt and Veronica Campbell-Brown, who were handed the keys to the city by then Kingston’s Mayor, Desmond McKenzie.

News, Western

Litterbugs costing municipal authority ‘millions’ in MoBay

March 16, 2025

MONTEGO BAY, St James — Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, is lamenting the financial impact that improper disposal of waste is having o...

{"xml":"xml"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}

Then prime minister Bruce Golding attended the ceremony, lauding Fraser-Pryce and several Jamaican gold medallists for their stellar performance at the Beijing Olympic Games.

It is not immediately clear whether the decision to hand Fraser-Pryce the keys to the city for the second time was an oversight by the KSAMC or whether the corporation is aware that the honour has already been accorded to the track legend.

Latest News, News

PNP promises $1 billion in support for creative industries

March 15, 2025

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A future People’s National Party (PNP) Government will provide $1 billion in support for the creative and cultural industries, acc...

{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}

Protocol experts say the handing of the keys to the city is usually a once-in-a-lifetime honour accorded to celebrated personalities who are being recognised.

The honour suggests that the individual is welcome to enter and exit the city freely with relevant courtesies extended to them.