(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), H.E. Edwin Carrington has extended congratulations to Mr. Usain Bolt on his victories in the 100 and 200 metres at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Mr. Bolt won the 200 metres on Wednesday 20 August 2008, and broke the record set by American Michael Johnson. The Jamaican athlete won the 100 metres last week with a world record.

"The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) congratulates the phenomenal Mr Usain Bolt of Jamaica on his astonishing victories in the sprint events of the Olympic Games - the 100 and 200 metres.

These exhilarating performances completed with world record times in both events, which added further lustre, cemented his claim as the world’s fastest man," the Secretary-General said in his message of congratulations.

Please see the full text of the message below:

"The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) congratulates the phenomenal Mr Usain Bolt of Jamaica on his astonishing victories in the sprint events of the Olympic Games - the 100 and 200 metres.

These exhilarating performances completed with world record times in both events, which added further lustre, cemented his claim as the world’s fastest man.

The Community takes great pride in this feat which underlines the capability of our Region to compete with and surpass the best in the world. This is further exemplified by the fact that Mr Bolt's talents have been honed at home in Jamaica under a Jamaican coach.

As Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, it is with pride and pleasure that I extend heartiest congratulations to Mr Bolt in particular and to the Government and People of Jamaica on this remarkable achievement."