Sherika Williams - file

WESTERN BUREAU:

While residents of Whitehall, St Elizabeth, have been struggling with poor roads and lack of electricity for years, they had a reason to celebrate yesterday when their homegrown daughter, Shericka Williams, placed second in the 400-metre finals at the World Championships in Berlin, Germany.

Though somewhat disappointed that she missed out on the gold, Williams' family was happy with her performance.

Minutes before the race, family members, who had gathered at the home of her grandaunt, had commented that it would not be easy for their relative to defeat American Sanya Richards but it was possible.

Shericka's brother, Santana Williams, told The Gleaner that he spoke to her the morning of the race and she had expressed optimism about doing well in the final. He also congratulated Richards on her victory.

"She was really excited about the race and felt confident that she was going to do well. She sounded like she was ready to go out there and do her best," Santana said.

Congrats

Shericka Williams' family cheers during the 400m final. - Photos by Tashieka Mair

"I congratulate Shericka on her second place. I know she is going to do much better because there is further development for her to do. I hope the next time around she'll get the gold to make us prouder and even happier."

Errol Williams was also proud of his daughter's performance and said she did what he expected.

Her cousin, David Cooper, shared in the family's celebrations but had concerns that Shericka's home was still without electricity supply even after her performance in the Beijing Olympics last year.

He said that the Jamaica Public Service has begun running power lines in the community since February, but there had been delays.

"Her grandmother (Kathleen Clarke) even went on the television last year and begged for the light and she died (in March) and until now we haven't got light nor the roads fixed and these are so badly needed," Cooper said.

The family is hoping that Shericka will not have to return to a home of darkness as they want her performance to influence the relevant authorities to address their concerns.