The Editor, Sir:

United we stand in our support of Usain Bolt's achievements. We should make no apologies or even provide a response to those who criticise Bolt's celebratory behaviour. The racist cultural divide still pervades and no doubt the words of our anthem ruptured the culture of supremacy that is prevalent. It is not surprising that they can provide the statistics on Jamaica but forget our cultural roots on celebrating. Everyone is interested in exploiting Jamaicans and is only interested in our culture when it is profitable for them.

We are proud to dance and celebrate whenever we get a chance, and the moment and opportunity was represented by Usain Bolt. My mother, a senior citizen visiting me here in Canada, was jumping up and down, to the point where her foot is hurting her now. You should see her dance when Veronica Campbell-Brown won! Normally, she is a reserved person and if she could do the 'Nuh Linga' dance, believe me she would have done it. When she heard the criticisms directed at Usain, she simply said, 'Ah bad mind dem bad mind.'

Of course those bitter, white men (Jacques Rogge, etc) know the capabilities of our athletes. However, they thought the environment of negation and subjugation afforded the best climate for their favourites to win. Without their comments, their body language and facial expression say it all. After all, you cannot hide corruption under a thread. We the descendants of enslaved people expect no good comments; "we know the soft side of bigotry is low expectation."

Yes, we know who we are, and we have always had confidence, we are Jamaicans! Usain and others dance to celebrate our victories, because we can.

I am, etc.,

MICHELLE BAILEY

Toronto, Canada