(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) Chairman of the Caribbean Community Dr the Honourable Kenny Anthony, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia has saluted the achievement of Grenada’s first Olympic medallist, Mr Kirani James who won the 400 metres at the London 2012 Games on Monday.

In a message marking the victory, the CARICOM Chairman said the ‘triumph is all the more exciting given the fact that Mr James is not yet 20 years of age and is therefore a shining example of what the youth of the Region are capable of in today’s world.” Following is the full text of the message:

On behalf of the Caribbean Community, I extend hearty congratulations to Mr Kirani James on his achievement of winning the 400 metres at the London 2012 Games which gave Grenada its first ever gold medal at the Olympics.

This triumph is all the more exciting given the fact that Mr James is not yet 20 years of age and is therefore a shining example of what the youth of the Region are capable of in today’s world. That one so young was able to beat the rest of the world will no doubt give a fillip to those Caribbean youth who wish to compete in any sphere in the global arena.

This maybe Grenada’s first gold medal at the Olympics but given the talent that has recently emerged among its young athletes, there should certainly be more to come. This victory is one of which the Government and People of Grenada must be justly proud and the Caribbean Community joins in the Member State’s pride.