(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) The Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Dr the Honourable Kenny Anthony, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia has praised the achievements of the Jamaican sprinters at the London 2012 Olympics.
In a message to the Prime Minister of Jamaica the Most Honourable Portia Simpson-Miller, the CARICOM Chairman said their “achievements underline the ability of our Region to compete with and outshine the best in the world.” Mr Usain Bolt and Ms Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce won the 100 metre titles at the Olympics on the weekend.
Following is the text of the message:
The Caribbean Community is elated over the success of Mr Usain Bolt and Ms Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce at London 2012 in the blue ribbon event of the Olympics, the 100 metres, particularly given the historic nature of their victories.
Mr Bolt’s performance in setting a new Olympic record, while becoming the first man to repeat in that event on the track is unparalleled and set a new standard for excellence in his chosen field. Further the fact that Ms Fraser-Pryce’s repeat victory has only happened twice before in the history of the Games speaks volumes about the magnitude of her feat.
The sterling efforts of Mr Yohan Blake and Ms Veronica Campbell-Brown to gain silver and bronze respectively in the 100 metres are also a source of pride and reflect the wealth of talent that Jamaica possesses.
The ability of these outstanding athletes to perform consistently at such a high level is a fine example of Caribbean youth and is one to be emulated by their peers across the Region regardless of their sphere of endeavour. These achievements underline the ability of our Region to compete with and outshine the best in the world.
The Community joins with the Government and People of Jamaica in heralding this fantastic achievement which is a fitting tribute to the golden anniversary of Jamaican nationhood.
