LIKE OTHER Jamaicans, at home or in the diaspora, I feel a great sense of pride in being Jamaican and especially at this time when the accomplishments of our athletes have again focused the attention of the world on us.

They deserve all the accolades and encomiums being heaped upon them, for they have distinguished themselves in the world of athletics.

However, I have to disagree with some of the calls being made to Prime Minister Bruce Golding for the investiture of the Order Of Jamaica or the Order of Merit on Usain 'Lightning' Bolt at this time. First, Usain is at the beginning of his career. I believe in his longevity as an athlete but, in my opinion, he has not yet 'peaked' developmentally, so there is no urgency in awarding him with one of our country's highest honours while he is still honing his craft.

A work in progress

Second, while Usain is a phenomenal talent that pops up perhaps once in a lifetime, I think that our highest honour should not only recognise naturally endowed gifts - however tirelessly one may have worked to develop that gift. Rather, that honour should be awarded to one who has gained a proven track record of emotional, experiential and - perhaps - even spiritual stability/maturity. The process of maturation for this beloved son of our soil is still in progress and Usain is still a long way from its end, still prone to the misjudgements and mistakes that - God forbid - could soil or tarnish one of our country's highest honours.

Third, I believe that the irrevocability of the honour is the main reason why it tends to be awarded later rather than sooner

I am not at all suggesting that Usain is undeserving of our highest honour, he clearly is, but not just yet.

Let us continue to celebrate with the world Usain's phenomenal achievements and rejoice that one of our countrymen, through the persistent application of sacrifice, self-denial, hard work and discipline, has achieved so much and attracted so many.

I am, etc.,

Lloyd Maxwell

ellmax7@yahoo.com