Jamaicans in Barbados celebrating »

The successes of Jamaican sprinters such as Usain Bolt (pictured) have brought joy to Jamaicans in Barbados. (photo by Charles Pitt-Grant)

Jamaica to the world!

Jamaicans in Barbados has been in a celebratory mood all week long, buoyed by the superb performances of their track and field athletes at the Beijing Olympics.

“I’m thrilled! I’m elated! I’m proud! It’s simply inspiring!” declared Ella Hoyos, an attorney at law and General Counsel for First Caribbean International Bank.

The gold rush started last Saturday with Usain Bolt’s easy-as-you-please world-record victory in the 100 metres, where he clocked 9.69. It continued with an unprecedented 1-2-2 placing in the women’s 100 metre finals when the diminutive Shelly-Ann Fraser led compatriots Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart to the medal podium.

Shericka Williams picked up a silver in the women’s 400 metre finals and then Bolt and Melaine Walker added two more golds to the medal haul on Wednesday with victories in the men’s 200 metres and the women’s 400 metre hurdles. Bolt stunned the world with yet another world record performance in the 200 metre, breaking Michael Johnson’s 12 year old record that many had hitherto thought unbreakable.

Their performances have given Jamaicans in Barbados a reason to hold their heads up higher and are a welcome change from the news of crime and violence that often come from the island of 2.5 million people.

“People who know me, when they see me on the road they’re saying, ‘your country going good.’ It feels good, I am proud to be a Jamaican. They always say Jamaica bad, Jamaica this, Jamaica that, but this shows that it’s not only crime in our country,” proclaimed Francine Shuriah.

Dr. Carol Jacobs, director of the HIV/AIDS Commission expressed pride at the fact that many of the medal-winning athletes train at home in Jamaica.

“There’s a lot that very powerful and positive about it. Jamaica has had a tough time and to see so much good coming out of Jamaica is wonderful. And [to see] all of this raw talent, with so many of them having done their training in Jamaica, it’s just a wonderful feeling for the people of Jamaica and the people of the Caribbean. Words can’t express!” said Jacobs.

With their athletes doing so well, Jamaicans have been flying the green, gold and black high.

“I’m driving with both of my Jamaican flags hanging from each side of the car. I cannot describe the feeling!” exclaimed an ecstatic Michelle Russell.

Kenneth Dussard summed up the feelings of Jamaicans all over the world succintly, saying:

“Any Jamaican anywhere must feel proud.”

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