I didn't think it could have got anymore interesting. What an honour, so young, so soon. I know my readers may disagree with me, but is the sprint sensation, fast-driving party animal Usain Bolt ready for such a responsibility? Did he even achieve the requirements to be recommended for such an honour?

The Order of Jamaica is the fourth-highest national award in the land. It is conferred on Jamaican citizens for outstanding distinction. Sounds very simple, and one would think that the simplicity of it would have earned so many great Jamaicans such an honour.

Jamaica's development

But the recipients of this honour demonstrate years of service, dedication and commitment to Jamaica's social and economic development. This is nothing simple, although Bolt's 9.58 seconds seemed that way. Some outstanding individuals who have been credited with this honour include Father Richard Ryan Ho Lung for outstanding service to religion and the care of the poor; Professor John Peter Figueroa for service in the field of epidemiology and the development of an HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention programme; William E. 'Bill' Clarke, for his sterling contribution to banking and public service, and the list could go on and on.

Excellent athlete

Usain Bolt is an excellent athlete. He has a great personality and we would want to think that he has a good heart. I am not pushing the hand of Bolt because he is still young in his career, and hence my questioning such an honour being bestowed upon him.

The question now on the minds of so many Jamaicans who have contributed immensely to the development of this country over many years is, what have I not done to be deserving of this honour? Could it be that I should have been a sprint star, and not a musician, an artist or a philanthropist? Or, is it that I have not commanded the interest of the Jamaican public or the international public? Maybe it was that I wasn't able to attract those multimillion-dollar sponsorships. Well, I don't know; what do you think?

I am, etc.,

CONREY HANSON

conreyhanson@yahoo.com