Daraine Luton, Staff Reporter

Parliamentarians yesterday paid homage to Herb McKenley, the great Jamaican sportsman and administrator who died on Monday.

Seven parliamentarians - three from the People's National Party (PNP) and four from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) - spoke glowingly of a man who once aspired for political office. Prime Minister Bruce Golding said that McKenley would be accorded an official funeral and that arrangements were being made with McKenley's family for the final send off.

"I am sure that Jamaicans from all walks of life, from all over Jamaica, are going to want to be a part of this final farewell to a great hero," Mr. Golding said.

During yesterday's sitting of the House of Representatives, members paid tribute to Mr. McKenley, who died at the University Hospital of the West Indies on Monday.

Mr. Golding, one of seven MPs to do so, said "Jamaica is going to be the poorer for his passing but Jamaica is immensely richer for the life that he lived, for the achievements that he made, and for the symbol that he represents to a struggling people who want to succeed".

National Security Minister Derrick Smith said Mr. McKenley was a "committed, loyal and outstanding Jamaican."

Sports Minister Olivia Grange, Clarendon MPs Mike Henry and Noel Arscott also spoke highly of the late sportsman.

Mr. Henry said there was "no greater Jamaican on the field of sports and in general, his attitude, than the honourable Herb McKenley".

Mr. McKenley, in 1972, attempted to enter the Parliament via the St. Andrew North constituency on a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) ticket. But despite his slogan, 'Herb Runs Again', he was unsuccessful at the polls.

No political rift

His political relations did not affect his relationship with others, according to Dr. Omar Davies, a PNP MP.

"He transcended politics and was never seen as a partisan political person," Dr. Davies said.

Dr. Wykeham McNeill, another PNP MP, called Mr. McKenley "a great Jamaican icon" to whom "all Jamaican athletes owe a debt of gratitude".

"He was one of those great Jamaican icons, a lot like Miss Lou, who, whether you were rich or poor, young or old, whatever political party, whatever social standing, everybody admired, respected and loved," Dr. McNeill added.

An athlete, coach and administrator, McKenley's career was studded with outstanding achievements. His greatest achievement came in 1952 at the Helsinki Olympics when he inspired a Jamaican quartet to a gold medal in the 4x400 metres in an amazing world record three minutes 3.9 seconds.

A Calabar old boy, McKenley was one of the first outstanding Jamaican athletes to impress at the Olympic level. In addition to his relay gold he won three individual silver medals.

At age 85, McKenley completed his last lap on life's course and now, according to Ms. Grange, "it is time to say goodbye to a great Jamaican."