(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Georgetown, Guyana) On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I extend hearty congratulations to Mr Asafa Powell on his achieving the prestigious award of Male Athlete of the Year by the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF).

Mr Powell’s consistently high performance levels over the past year undoubtedly ensured this recognition and the hard work and commitment to his chosen field serves as a fine example of what the youth of the Region can achieve with similar efforts. These achievements are all the more noteworthy given that Mr Powell is based in Jamaica with a Jamaican coach. This is further manifestation of the skills and talent that abound within our Community.

Congratulations are also extended to the Female Athlete of the Year, the Jamaica-born Ms Sanya Richards whose roots in that fertile sprinting soil no doubt played an important part in the blossoming of her talent.

As Secretary-General of the Community it is with great pride that I also extend congratulations to the government and people of Jamaica on this achievement which brings honour to the entire Community.