The Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States

April 29, 2008

The Secretary General of the African, Caribbean and the Pacific Group of States, Sir John Kaputin, has spoken highly of Jamaican athletes describing the Caribbean state as a “model for athletics”.

Sir John who is currently in Ghana was unable to deliver his message but it was conveyed on his behalf by Acting Secretary General Andrew Bradley.

Sir John’s statement fits in very well with a new book entitled: Jamaican Athletics: A Model for the World, which was launched at the ACP House on Wednesday (April 23^rd, 2008).

Authored by well-known international jurist, and Jamaican, Dr Patrick Robinson, the book endeavours to identify the basis for Jamaica’s success in athletics on the world stage.

Judge Robinson believes that a system established for athletics in Jamaica since 1910 underpins the success of the country’s athletes.

He said given its little size and limited resources Jamaica’s achievements are remarkable.

Dr Robinson cited Jamaica’s success at the 2007 World Championship in Japan as an example, when it finished fourth behind the United States of America, Russia and Kenya respectively from a field of more than 200 countries.

In his statement Sir John noted how impressed he was with Jamaican athletes’ achievement way back since the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Australia.

“I was immensely impressed with the performance of the Jamaican quartet who won the men’s 4x400 yard relay,” he recalled.

The great team, which comprised George Kerr, Lawrence Khan, and the Spence twin brothers, Malcolm and Melville are also featured in the new book.

Judge Robinson expressed the view that the experience in Jamaica can be shared with the rest of the world especially those in the developing world.

He also applauds the initiative taken by ACP-EU to promote sports in the ACP countries.

The 71 page book is now on sale. Further details can be obtained from the Embassy of Jamaica. Email: emb.jam.brussels@skynet.be