In a congratulatory message to the athletes from CARICOM Member States at the just-concluded Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, CARICOM Secretary-General. Ambassador Irwin LaRocque stated their performance has demonstrated that the Region had the capacity to lead the world in any sphere, provided that the necessary discipline, commitment and focus” were applied.
Full text of message below:
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is immensely proud of the performance of the athletes of its Member States at the Rio Olympics 2016.
Particular mention must be made of the phenomenal Mr Usain Bolt whose completion of a trio of gold medals for the third consecutive Olympics places him high among the pantheon of great Olympians. His colleagues, Mr Asafa Powell, Mr Nickel Ashmeade and Mr Yohan Blake assisted in ensuring the third gold medal was well earned in the sprint relay.
Also of special significance were the victories of Ms Elaine Thompson whose triumphs in the women’s 100 and 200 metres were the first in those events since 1988. Their Jamaican compatriot Mr Omar Mcleod scaled great heights in capturing the 110 metres hurdle crown, a first for the country, while the Bahamian Ms Shaunae Miller completed a sweep of the women’s sprint events for the Community, with her dramatic victory in the 400 metres.
Congratulations are in order for all our medallists and other finalists in this hugely competitive global event. The performance at these Games underlined the tremendous skills and talent that reside in the Community’s youth and demonstrates that we have the capacity to lead the world in any sphere provided that we apply the necessary discipline, commitment and focus.
Well done to all our competitors and may you continue to strive to achieve even greater feats.
