(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) H.E. Edwin Carrington, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has offered congratulations to athlete Usain Bolt and has hailed his achievement as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere and in the Caribbean in particular.

Mr. Bolt, a Jamaican, is now the fastest man on earth after winning the 100-metre event on 31 May at the Icahn Stadium in New York. His performance, the Secretary-General said, was “awesome and breath-taking”.

“As Secretary-General, I wish on behalf of the Community, to assure the Government and People of Jamaica of the great pride which this Community feels on this achievement and the continuing high level of performance by Jamaican athletes on the world stage,” Mr. Carrington said in a congratulatory message.

The full text of the message reads:

"On behalf of the CARICOM Secretariat and indeed the entire Caribbean Community I offer my warmest congratulations to Mr Usain Bolt on his attainment of the deserving status of becoming the fastest man on earth. His performance in the 100 metre event which included the current World Champion, at the Icahn Stadium in New York on Saturday 31 May 2008 can only be described as awesome, and breath-taking.

Mr Bolt has done the Caribbean proud and he has become an inspiration to young athletes everywhere and in the Caribbean in particular and to the population at large as a fine example of what can be achieved with dedication, devotion, conviction, self esteem, and pride.

As a product of our Regional Junior Championships, the CARIFTA Games through which the Region's youth are afforded the opportunity to demonstrate talents, we are convinced that Mr Bolt will continue to portray the capacity, tenacity, fortitude, and mental prowess to enable him to do even better in the future as he continues to strive for excellence and the fulfilment of his potential.

As Secretary-General, I wish on behalf of the Community, to assure the Government and People of Jamaica of the great pride which this Community feels on this achievement and the continuing high level of performance by Jamaican athletes on the world stage.

Congratulations once again to Mr Bolt, and his support team including his family and coaches who would have moulded and nurtured him throughout his career."