Once again a Jamaican athlete has proven to the world that we are an island of great people.

Usain Bolt became the fastest man in the world after he bettered the 9.74 seconds record set by fellow Jamaican, Asafa Powell. Bolt clocked 9.72 seconds in the Men's 100 metre race at the Reebok Grand Prix, at Ichan Stadium in New York, on Saturday.

Bolt said in an article carried in The Sunday Gleaner that the support he received from Jamai-cans attending the meet meant a lot to him and it made him want to please them.

The run was certainly a good one and THE STAR congratulates Bolt on this latest achievement. What he said about having Jamaicans there cheering him on, highlights an important point as it relates to supporting our Jamaicans in their pursuits.

The fact that his countrymen were there supporting him, made him want to do well and make them happy. Obviously having the support of one's country will encourage one to do well.

And that is why we need to support and recognise more of our nationals, who are excelling both locally and abroad.

We are all happy when Jamaicans do well locally and abroad, whether it be our athletes or people in other areas. So, if we want our country to be known for more of the positive rather than negative, let us encourage it.