Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States, Professor Gordon Shirley, has lauded the performance of Jamaica's Spelling Bee Champion, Regina Bish, in the recent Scripps National Spelling Bee Championship in the United States.

Of the 150 participants, Regina placed 16th during the 80th re-newal of the competition in Washington, D.C.

"You have done your country, your parents, your school and indeed yourself proud," said Ambassador Shirley.

"You have taken Jamaica to greate>The ambassador was speaking during a brief ceremony in Washington when Regina and her coach, Rev. Glen Archer, called on him. He commended Rev. Archer and The Gleaner Company, the organisers of the 'Children's Own' Spelling Bee Competition.

Rev. Archer said he was honoured to be a part of the Spelling Bee programme. He saluted Regina for her sterling performance and The Gleaner Company for its consistency in promoting the competition.

A strong country

"Considering that Jamaica placed 16th, and that 11 of the top spellers above Regina's position were repeat spellers, testifies to the fact that we are a strong country with our programme and that when we are good at what we do, we are very good internationally," said Rev. Archer.

Karin Cooper, corporate affairs and marketing manager of The Gleaner Company said a part of the company's challenge was to continue to help Jamaica to develop good citizens.

"If we begin with the children, by getting them involved in the Spelling Bee, we will develop citizens who think, reason and ultimately we will have a better country."

In response, Regina said she felt proud that as a first timer, she was able to do her country proud and to have placed 16th in the competition.

Regina was also accompanied by her mother, Janise Manning.