Sprint legend Usain Bolt has declared his love for Jamaica and intention to continue uplifting the country despite being among the victims of a massive fraud scandal at local investment firm Stocks and Securities Ltd (SSL).

Speaking at a sponsors luncheon for the 2023 Gibson Relays today (January 27), Bolt, in a thinly veiled reference to the $3-billion fraud scandal now engulfing SSL, sought to assure the nation that he Jamaica was still his country and that would never change, “no matter what is going on right now”.

Bolt is one of approximately 40 victims of the fraud which has resulted in the disappearance of his US$12.7-million investment at SSL.

“I love my country and I will always do everything in my power to uplift this country,” said the athletics icon when he addressed the gathering during the luncheon held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

His comments will serve as welcome relief to many Jamaicans, particularly those on social media who have, since the revelation of the fraud, worried that Bolt would, in frustration, consider leaving the country and setting up roots overseas.

Bolt’s stance also comes on the same day as the deadline given by his attorneys in a 10-day ultimatum given to SSL for the return of the full balance on his investment account as reflected in October last year. Up to the time of publication, there had been no word on whether SSL had complied.

In a demand letter sent to SSL on January 16, Bolt’s attorneys threatened to sue the investment firm if the deadline was not met.

READ: SSL D-Day | Timeline of a fraud scandal; no word on payback of Bolt’s millions