The recent announcement regarding honours to be bestowed upon our beloved Usain Bolt has, understandably, been received with mixed feelings. Many like me desire to shower this young man with a bucket of confetti, expressions of our congratulations and loving pride, which would hopefully encourage him towards higher heights.

Yet, our Government sees it fit, not only to bring out a truck load of confetti, but to also add the honourable title, as well as immortalise him via a highway. Isn't all this just a wee bit over the top?

youthful exuberance

Our handsome and gifted Bolt definitely deserves our accolades, but naming a highway after him? What this nation knows of him is limited to his track record, which leaves little doubt that he is the best in the world in this season in that sport and, according to the sports experts, he has not yet peaked, which means there is much more to expect from him. What else then can we offer when he does peak? His life has not yet been tested on the highway of life, and there is so much more to learn about this person that supersedes his speed.

Let us hope that his youthful exuberance which brought a very expensive vehicle to an end on 'his' highway will not be a hindrance as he continues to build his career and his character. In years to come, whomever or whatever he becomes will not only be to Jamaica, but to the world!

We will continue to love Bolt and all our athletes, as they all deserve so much more than we can offer, but I believe now is a time to offer special prayers for Bolt as he continues to grow in stature, speed and especially character - so when we grow old, having been immortalised, he can also be proud of who he represents, as Jamaica drives by and remembers 'Bolt on the highway'.

I am, etc.,

M. LAWRENCE

St James