By Tyrone Reid, Staff ReporterPOLITICIANS FROM different persuasions praised Veronica Campbell's golden run yesterday in the 200 metre finals at the Athens Olympics in Greece.
When The Gleaner contacted Portia Simpson Miller, Minister of Local Government, Community Development and Sport last night, her voice was hoarse from all the cheering she did after Veronica broke the tape first. "Veronica's performance has once again cemented Jamaica's place on the world stage of sport... we now stand as a proud sporting nation," an elated Mrs. Simpson Miller said.
A statement from Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, which was issued shortly after Veronica grabbed the island's first gold medal of the summer games thus far, also paid homage to the island's new 'golden girl'.
"We commend Veronica on her brilliant achievement and applaud all our athletes in Athens who have achieved new personal records in Athens. We expect them to be inspired, to remain focused and give of their best. They can be assured of the support of our nation and the entire Caribbean."
An overjoyed Edward Seaga, Opposition Leader, believes that Ms. Campbell's golden run should be earmarked by a significant civic ceremony. "I hope that this victory is going to be marked in a permanent way by naming some significant road, street, avenue or place of importance after Veronica," Mr. Seaga told The Gleaner last night. He added: "We congratulate her for her victory and we thank her for this moment of joy at a time when our spirits are down for a number of reasons."
The hearty congratulations from the politicians poured in perpetually. A release from Bruce Golding, chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) said: "Veronica has given new life to the tradition established and maintained by our many great Olympians. She has done Jamaica proud and the Jamaica Labour Party extends warmest congratulations to her and her coaches as well as our team officials currently in Athens."
Ed Bartlett, Opposition spokesman on Tourism and Sport, hailed Ms. Campbell's 'golden grab' as 'the tonic Jamaica needed at this time to lift our spirits and to remind us of the greatness that is in us'. "All of us in Jamaica are truly proud of her, especially we in the west who have a special claim to her, being a daughter of Trelawny," read a release issued by Mr. Bartlett.
Mr. Bartlett also lauded Aleen Bailey for her "excellent performance and although she did not medal this time she played a tremendous role in Veronica's victory."
