Normally, carrying the Olympic torch is a coveted honour, one reserved not simply for outstanding athletes, but those who have consistently displayed commitment to the highest ideals of integrity, courage and sportsmanship.

However, for the people of Quarry, Clarendon, carrying the Olympic torch has taken on a different meaning. It was reported in yesterday's STAR that the community has no electricity, so getting to watch the games on television means traveling by foot or motor vehicle.

And traditionally, in Jamaica, a torch has been used to illuminate the way along paths and roadways where there is no street lighting. Of course, flashlights are now much more widespread, but still, it would be much more cost-efficient to use a torch, so we suspect that some Quarry people will do just that.

However, the story goes way beyond their doing a near marathon to watch the Olympics. It is also a tale of consistent disappointment, with the residents buying electrical appliances at the promise of service, only to see them rot.

For the vast majority of Jamaicans who simply flick a switch or plug in an electrical cord to get electricity from the Jamaica Public Service Company, it is incredible that in this day and age, there are people who are still using 'Home Sweet Home' lamps in this country.

We sincerely hope that by the next Olympics, and preferably much earlier, the people of Quarry will stop carrying a torch, not that they want to tote the flame, but simply because they have no choice.