The other Jamaican stand-off
THE world’s eyes will be focused on sprinters Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake on Sunday as they will likely face off in the 100m final, but in their home country, Jamaica’s rival telecoms firms will be watching more keenly than most.
Digicel, owned by Irish tycoon Denis O’Brien, and Cable & Wireless Communications subsid Lime dominate Jamaica’s mobile phone market, and the track stars are the firms’ biggest ambassadors.
Favourite Bolt has a long-running contract with Digicel who, like the Olympic champion, has long been the island’s dominant force though Lime, which sponsors underdog Blake, hopes an upset can improve their fortunes. With the winner of the showdown claiming the invaluable title of Jamaica’s premier sportsman, more than a gold medal is at stake.