THERE have been mixed reactions to yesterday's announcement by PrimeMinister Bruce Golding that one of the major highways in the countrydubbed Highway 2000 is to be named in honour of track star Usain Bolt.

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

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

"Bolt is 23 years old, (anything can) happen over the next 40 years ofhis life in terms of future accomplishments which he may or may nothave ..... certainly when you name outstanding things after outstandingpeople, you'll want this kind of high credibility factor to beretained," 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 itshould be the retired politician, (who's) still fit and able but has along track record of political accomplishments and who was theprincipal architect of this system," Henry said.Concerning the national award, Henry believes that the National AwardsCommittee should look at a new category to honour achievers such asBolt.

Meanwhile, it is being reported that questions have been asked aboutthe government?s authority to rename Highway 2000 as the highway isstill under the control of the French firm Bouygues and permission mayhave 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.