Miss Kitty, Star Writer

Who could have fathomed that a tiny dot on the map could have produced some of the best and fastest women in the world?

Who could have guessed that under all the pressure Asafa Powell faced, he would have been able to deliver such a golden performance?

Jamaica, land we love, is now the land of wood, water and gold medals.

I know that Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora are feeling a sense of pride and jubilation that cannot be denied and is definitely long overdue.

I'm especially happy because the change has started with the young people who are, indeed, the future.

Tears came to my eyes as I watched Asafa cross the finish line, determined to win.

His triumph is significant and symbolic, as it reflects the struggle and disappointment many people face in their lives before they have that grand victory.

His humility and unselfish comments further put him on a pedestal of glory as one of the great athletes.

Like mi seh, "wah nuh dead, nuh dash it weh, or call it duppy."

Wagonists

I'm ecstatic that he delivered so that many of the wagonists, who turned their backs on him, can be finally muzzled.

Mi hear a bag a bad-mind talk from some a di reporters from America, but guess wha? Mi understan', 'cause frankly, if a likkle country like Jamaica can come and obliterate them off the track and field scene, which they once dominated, then they should feel a way.

My thing is, even if that's how you feel in your heart, keep it there and no seh a word.

All wah a bun dem, a true wi win fair and drug free, because we are not trying fi keep up wid di 'Joneses'.

I hope that now that Puma has reaped priceless benefits from their association with our Jamaican athletes, other companies will take the initiative to support and develop the talents of many young Jamaicans, who otherwise, without their support, might go to waste and fall by the wayside.

I'm charging all inner-city communities to rise to the occasion and strive for peace, love and progress.

Melaine, Shelly-Ann and all our athletes have proven, without the shadow of a doubt, that hard work and dedication pay off. Not everybody will be a Usain, Asafa or Veronica, but whatever sphere your talent takes, you let it be for the benefit of self, community, family and country.

No excuse

Poverty is no longer an excuse, nor can it be used as a crutch. A person can be poor but have dignity, integrity and wholesome moral values.

Now that the Beijing Olympics fever is done, I hope that our beautiful island will not return to dark days of death, when everyone is so depressed and the negative press overseas scares away tourists and potential investors.

We need to use this 'golden' opportunity for our growth and forward movement.

As a country, we must never forget our struggle, but work hard to bask in the black, green and gold in our flag.

Jamaica is blessed and its people unique and tlented.

Let us shine and nuh linga!