Photo by Derrick Scott
First Lady of Washington D.C., Michelle Fenty, signs the condolence book for the late Herb McKenley, at the Jamaican High Commission in Washington, DC. Looking on at right is Sharon Miller, Chargé d'Affaires at the Jamaican High Commission in Washington.It was an emotional moment as well as one of excitement for those who came out yesterday to view the body of Jamaican sports legend Herb McKenley, at the National Arena.
Tears flowed unabated for those who personally knew the sports icon. They dabbed at their eyes as, one by one, they waited patiently in line to sign the condolence book and view his body, which lay peacefully in the centre of the Arena, which was decorated with the national colours - black, green and gold.
Among those who turned out to pay tribute were former Olympians Lilieth Hodges, Cathy Rattray-Williams and Dr. Cynthia Thompson, McKenley's teammate.
"He was very instrumental in boosting my confidence," said Lilieth Hodges, who was part of the 4x100m team which took bronze at the 1983 World Championships.
"He has touched a lot of our lives, he was very instrumental in getting me a track scholarship to go to the United States."
Condolences for Herb in WashingtonDerrick A. Scott, Gleaner Writer
Washington, D.C.:
A condolence book in honour of the late Jamaican sports hero and Olympian great, Herb McKenley, was opened for signing at the Jamaican High Commission in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.
Among those signing the book was the First Lady of Washington, D.C., Michelle Fenty, who is of Jamaican parentage. Heading the members of the Caribbean diplomatic corps, were Chargé d'Affaires of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines High Commission, LaCelia Prince; Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of The Bahamas High Commission, Randa Jackson; Chargé d'Affaires of the High Commission of Jamaica, Sharon Miller; and the president of the Jamaican Women of Washington Association, Dr. Jacqueline Watson. Members of the Jamaican community of Baltimore, Virginia and the Washington Metropolitan Area also visited the high commission and signed the condolence book.
Legendary exploits
In offering condolences to the immediate and extended family, Mrs. Miller, who is attached to the Jamaican High Commission, said, "Jamaica has lost one of her greatest sons. Herb McKenley's life of legendary, athletic exploits has served to inspire generations of athletes," she added.
Mr. McKenley died on Monday, November 26, at age 85. He has left behind widow, Beverly, and four children. The sports icon is being accorded an official funeral by the Government of Jamaica at the National Arena today. He will be interred at the National Heroes Park.
