(CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana) CARICOM Secretary-General His Excellency Edwin Carrington says the entire Caribbean is proud of Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell for his recent world record-breaking 100-metre run of 9.77 seconds in Athens, Greece.

In congratulating Powell, Mr. Carrington said it was significant that Powell returned to Greece to prove to the world that he is indeed a great sprinter, as it was on the same track, that despite being a favourite in the event, he was unsuccessful in his international debut at the Athens Olympics last year. Mr. Carrington said Powell has shown that continued confidence, positive thinking, perseverance and application are truly the hallmark of real champions.

He pointed out that what was significant about Powell’s victory, is that his capstone achievement is an example of the levels of excellence that can be achieved right here in the Caribbean by local trainers in universities in the Region, and vindicates his decision to decline the numerous overseas offers and train at home.

It is against this background that the CARICOM Secretary-General took the opportunity to congratulate Powell’s coach, Stephen Francis who is regarded as doing a tremendous job in training the other young athletes under his guidance.

Mr. Carrington concluded that in an age when mediocrity seems to be the order of the day and the Caribbean male is an endangered specie, Asafa Powell can be a prime role model whom Caribbean youth can emulate, as he appears to possess the right attitude, is supremely confident in his abilities and is a tremendous achiever.

He urged Caribbean governments to continue to place increased emphasis on the development of sports and in the sustained improvement of the Region’s sporting facilities as both an investment in our youth and in an area of international competition in which, as Caribbean peoples, we have repeatedly demonstrated our excellence.