The Caribbean won 26 medals at the games, 13 of them for Jamaica, including seven gold.

Jamaica's performance in Beijing and more recently Berlin are not flukes. This is as a result of years of hard work and investment. For years Jamaicans were often the only Caribbean island represented in any final. We have invested in athletics on a long term basis. All the athletes winning gold are born, bred, groomed in Jamaica.

The sport has undergone a massive overhaul with development of resources. Our high school track and field program has been ranked the best in the world. Glen Mills is the best sprint coach in the world and Stephen Francis is the best all-round coach in the world. Both of whom are Jamaicans living and training athletes with Jamaican resources.

Jamaicans have worked hard for this, why is it now being Particularly by those from its people. No Bajans were present to give Ryan Braithwaite a flag when he won, a stark indicator of their appreciation for the sport. Similarly why are people on this board putting Bolt and Thompson in the same sentence? The world is not crediting the emergence of track and field as a dominant sport to the Caribbean...Jamaica has now been classified as the sprint capital of the world.

J-A-M-A-I-C-A. Yes it's great to see non-traditional athletic countries have a presence and it definitely makes the sport interesting...But this victory is ours to claim just as the pain has been ours to claim.

Kerry

Kingston, Jamaica

It is definitely time to invest in athletics in the Caribbean. There is lots of potential in Jamaica, T&T and many of the other islands but potential has to be fostered with resources such a good coaches, facilities etc.

Bolt, Thompson, they are shining now, but there are many more jewels of the Caribbean just waiting to be discovered and given their time to shine. Go Trinidad and Tobago!

Lee

Trinidad

Well I must say that after all these years of watching this young man grow and running in the junior Carifta Games in the Caribbean I knew he would be where he is.

To be honest to most of the world Bolt is new to them I know that but they will not admit it cause he is doing good now. How many remember when he got 7th place at that same world championship.

Andy Medas-king

Brooklyn, New York

Bolt's proformance isn't a Caribbean thing. It is a human being whose accomplishments can inspired and motivate sportmen of every discipline, and people who seeks to make a difference, by fully utilising their God-given talents and potential.

Jacob Amin

Florida

It makes my head swell to see how the Caribbean athletes are shining. jamaica especially!!! but forget about the divide and conquer sham.....from the Bahamas to Guyana, with Jamaica trailing, it is our time.

Dennis Edwards,

Toronto

To answer the question, Berlin feels good for us. Of course these are proud moments for Caribbean nationals. In the past we have demonstrated that we are capable of dominating sprint races. Now the moment has arrived and our efforts are brought to fruition, by God's grace. As Gumbsie alluded, these are tough times for us in various aspects; economically, socially etc, but alas, 'some t'ing dey-dey fi smile bout'.

Trelson Mapp,

Barrouallie, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

As an American of African descent, I know what it feels like to have the poorest facilities, the worst equipment and the least money but still do your best and beat all others. You take your desire, drive and determination that comes from having nothing and use it to propel yourself forward. You have a hunger that comes from having nothing; you have a desire to show people that you are and can be the best if given the opportunity. Poverty doesn't mean that you can't do your best. Poverty is the motivator! I see the same thing happening with my brothers and sisters in the Caribbean. I know that Caribbean people are hard working, strong, determined hustlers (and I mean that as a compliment). They don't let anything get in their way. They have guts, drive and hustle. They put in the work and now it is paying off.

I see other nationalities getting lazy and thinking that they are entitled to win "just because." Well the Jamaicans didn't get that memo and they are showing the world that "likkle" Jamrock is a force to be reckoned with. I am proud of my friends in Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean.

R. Peterson,

Washington DC

We have invested time, money and much effort to reap these rewards, so why are there comments here that smell heavily of envy? I am willing to share, as all Jamaicans are, our joy over our success, but do not think that in this time of everyone hopping the band wagon that we have forgotten what is said and how we are left out in the cold when something bad happens with Jamaica. When we are doing well and good things the talk of uniting comes up, but then when "nutten nha gwan fi we" then "you Jamaicans need a visa to enter my country and you have been denied". So enjoy the victory with us, but don't get it twisted JAMAICA did this, NOT the Caribbean.

Davin Jackson,

Portmore, Jamaica

I think this man has a born given gift, and not even a speed gun can read his speed.

James Carters

Kingstown, St Vincent

This is an amazing time for Caribbean athletics and certainly a poignant tale of the glories of success with hard work and dedication irrespective of economic power. The world has a lot to learn from us. It's interesting though that some people choose to use this forum to air their envy and grouses.

Regarding Jamaica's support for other islands, if you could lift the envy from your eyes for one second, you would learn that Jamaicans are true athletic fans and support athletes who are excellent in their field irrespective of their nationality. The fact is athletics is a source of NATIONAL pride for Jamaicans, borne out of hard work and long term investment. There are so many naysayers around the region who are quick to knock Jamaicans down yet you want to cash in on what has been uniquely ours.

Caribbeans are doing great at IAAF 2009 and I'm very proud to be a West Indian. But Jamaicans are showing the world that you can overcome and triumph in the face of adversity and when the odds are stacked against you.

Nuff Respect!!!

Dana,

St Andrew, Jamaica

It is a great achievement for Jamaica as an island. This success has placed the Caribbean region on the map in a more positive way. Well done Jamrock.

Rob Williams,

England/ Jamaica

Its just like Brazil and football they have supporters around the world. If Argentina won, would that feeling be reciprocated by Brazilians? I just think you gain fans by doing well and national pride is often blinding. But the region will be recognised if they look favourably at Jamaicans, send the athletes over here and get good training and success like us.

Computer Technician and Support

Portmore, Jamaica

It fills me with a great deal of Caribbean pride to see 5 males and 6 females in the final start lists. This coupled with the actual results demonstrate our commanding dominance in the sprint events.

Jackie

St John's Antigua

Alas the Caribbean has something to cheer about given the fact that West Indies cricket is in the doldrums, Trinidad is struggling to qualify for the Football World Cup and the rough economic times facing the region. Alas we have some people to look up to.

Nilio Gumbs

Kingstown St Vincent

Mr. Bolt has done his country proud once again. Congratulations! and the best for future endeavors. God speed!

Yolanda

Miami USA

I am proud to see our Caribbean people doing well. I get a sense of pride to say that they are from my region! I must also point out the Bahamians and give them a round of applause for also doing well.

Kyle Dorsett

Nassau Bahamas

It would make more economical sense if the Caribbean was represented by a team and send maybe the 3/4 best athletes for each events.

It would enhanced regional competitiveness if athletes had to vie for selection on a caribbean team; as we will have the Bahamas, the Cubans,the Jamaicans included. The region then will be a force to be reckon with cricket, baseball, soccer, netball, tennis (& sporting academies) to name a few other disciplines.

The region can build on the Cuban & Jamaican success.

Such a move will generate even more foreign exchange, enhanced communication modes - eventually cementing integration.

Sello Richardson

San Juan Trinidad

I think the feeling of pride for Jamaican athletes is felt by the whole Caribbean though we would like some of our own to win. And, if we won, would that feeling be reciprocated by Jamaicans? (not really). One last point, Cuba is also the Caribbean and deserves Caribbean support.

Renard

No country given