THE EDITOR, Sir:

FROM OUR first opportunity to grace the world athletic stage in 1948 until now 2008, Jamaican athletes have been exceptional, whether they run for Jamaica or for other countries.

I am sure that before there was a world stage (Olympics, European Circuit, etc.), Jamaican athletes were running up a storm - like running from slave owners or other oppressive masters like poverty and crime. Remember the Maroons?

While visiting a friend's home in Pittsburgh 37 years ago, I was introduced to his neighbour who, on hearing I was Jamaican, started to tell me of Jamaica's dominance in athletics and suggested that our government should launch a study to determine where we got this speed from. He said, rule out race. We were faster than the Africans, the black Americans and the other Caribbean countries. He said, try the water or something unique to Jamaica and Jamaicans.

Afraid of ackee

I thought about this for years and then one day, about 20 years ago, it struck me like a Bolt of lightning! It was the Jamaican ackee! It was the Jamaican ackee. None of my Caribbean friends ate ackee - they were, in fact, deadly afraid of it. The Africans did not eat it and the black Americans wouldn't go near it. Only those crazy Jamaicans would eat a poisonous fruit and go even further and make it their national fruit and a part of their national dish.

Only those crazy Jamaicans would coin the phrase 'inna mi ackee' to explain euphoria; happiness; being on top of your game; in the zone; and blissful release.

So, Jamdownians, it is not the yams, dasheen, coco, cassava, bananas, etc. Those are eaten by many others from Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, etc. It is the Jamaican ackee which, from now on, should be sold by the gram and in the form of inhalants, oils, spreads, topical applications, perfumes, beauty creams, male-enhancing capsules, etc.

Enhancing brand Jamaica

Combined with great Jamaican coaches, an exceptional athletic programme in schools and a scientific ackee diet (maybe it shouldn't be too scientific), we could greatly enhance Brand Jamaica.

Can you just see it now? Stick with me here, people! It's not just the ackee products that would benefit:

The Asians and Europeans would flock to our speed universities.

They would flock to our speed clinics held mostly in their winter months.

Garment factories would reopen, not to make boring underwear, but bold outerwear: from the Herb Mc jeans and caps, the Merlene Ottey line of speed and fashion gear to the Asafa speedos, the Shelly-Ann short shorts, the lightning Bolt briefs (well maybe not), the Sherika swimwear, to Veronica's elegant clothing line, etc. All Brand Jamaica.

The hotels would be full.

University of Technology would have to buy land and build dorms for the summer clinics.

The University of the West Indies' facilities would be overwhelmed.

It goes on and on and on. Soon we would be the Singapore of the West. The national debt would be retired in 10 years.

I have to stop here. But, before I go, I must tell you all something: the last time I had ackee was August 23; I had it twice in one day and I am still buzzing J.

Anybody want to race?

I am, etc.,

N. McDONALD,

St Andrew