(OECS Secretariat, Castries, St. Lucia, August 31^st 2011)  – Dr. Len Ishmael, Director-General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) adds her voice to the chorus of praise that has come from the people of the Eastern Caribbean as they share the proud moment of victory won by Grenada’s Kirani James in Tuesday’s 400 metre race at the World Athletic Championships in Daegu,South Korea.  

The Director-General, in a letter to the Hon. Tillman Thomas, Prime Minister of Grenada, asked him to: “convey the warmest congratulations of the staff of the Secretariat and of myself to Kirani, his parents, the technical and support personnel involved in his preparation and to the Government and People of Grenada”.

“Young Kirani’s accomplishment”, the Director-General continues, “is an achievement not only for Grenada, but for the entire OECS; it is a tribute not only to the youth of Grenada, but to the youth of the OECS in general.  This sterling achievement by an OECS national of such tender age typifies the OECS experience of success in spite of tremendous odds.  It is my hope that Kirani’s success will provide inspiration to the youth and to the population at large in Grenada and the wider OECS to continue striving for excellence and for the achievement of greater unity and deeper integration among the Member States of the OECS.”

The eighteen-year old’s outstanding performance at the World Athletic Championships established several records: firstly, it represented his personal best; secondly, he is Grenada’s first World Athletic Championship medalist; thirdly,  he is the third youngest men’s champion in the Championships; and fourthly, he is the ninth athlete to win the World Youth, World Junior and World Senior titles.  With these achievements, James joins the growing list of champions hailing from the Eastern Caribbean, who have beaten the odds to excel in international championships. For this reason, the OECS Secretariat, through the OECS Sports Desk, remains steadfast in its commitment to promote and support regional sporting events and championships as well as to facilitate and assist Member States with the development and implementation of national policies that would provide the frameworks to guide the development of sports at the national level.