JAMAICA: OLYMPIC TRIUMPHS IN BEIJING IGNITE

UNCLAS KINGSTON 000731

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/CAR (ANDRE CADIEUX, VELIA DePIRRO)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SCUL PREL PGOV ECON EINV SOCI KCRM JM XL
SUBJECT: JAMAICA: OLYMPIC TRIUMPHS IN BEIJING IGNITE
NATIONAL EUPHORIA

REF: (A) KINGSTON 704 (042015Z AUG 08)(NOTAL)
(B) 07 KINGSTON 1462 (251614Z SEP 07)(NOTAL)
(C) KINGSTON 626 (1513130Z JUL 08)(NOTAL)


1. Spectacular performances by Jamaican athletes at the Beijing
Olympics have enthralled this nation of 2.7 million, dominating the
media and igniting widespread spontaneous celebrations. In Kingston
and Montego Bay, normal commerce and traffic have slowed to a crawl
as thousands have remained glued to large-screen outdoor televisions
set up by the government. To date:

-- the Jamaicans have won 5 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze medals;

-- Sprinter Usain Bolt has set new world records in both the 100 and
200 meter races (reportedly thus within hours boosting global sales
of "Puma" shoes);

-- Shelly-Ann Fraser, Sherone Simpson, and Kerron Stewart have swept
the women's 100 meters;

-- Melaine Walker has won the 400-meter hurdles for women, while
Shericka Williams has taken a silver medal in the 400-meter flat
event for women.


2. Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and Minister of Culture
Olivia "Babsy" Grange are in Beijing, and have made statements
congratulating Jamaica's heroes and expressing appreciation for the
international acclaim and attention they have won for the island
nation. For his part, Prime Minister Bruce Golding has extolled
Usain Bolt as a role model for Jamaican youth - proof of the value
of hard work, discipline, and dedication. Golding has told the
nation: "It's more than just what the athletes are doing. I think
that it is a reminder to us, and this is what I think is really
exciting the Jamaican people, of just how powerful we are, how
talented we are, how capable we are, the kind of capacity we have
for great things." When the athletes return home, they will be
welcomed as virtual demigods at a planned massive celebration.

Analysis: Tantamount to the Moon Landing
--------------


3. The 2008 Beijing Olympics are to Jamaica much as the 1969 moon
landing was to the USA: an historic achievement and mesmerizing
symbol of national pride, bringing euphoria at a time it is sorely
needed. Over the last year, ordinary Jamaicans have been battered
by Hurricane Dean, resurgent inflation, an alarming crime wave,
stubbornly high unemployment, and skyrocketing prices for food,
fuel, and commodities (reftels). At last, ordinary Jamaicans have
something to cheer about. Moreover, the international attention
should bolster the island's vital tourism sector and could stimulate
investor interest.
JOHNSON