Jamaica to reward Olympic athletes

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 11: Yohan Blake, Usain Bolt, Nesta Carter and Michael Frater of Jamaica celebrate next to the clock after winning gold and setting a new world record of 36.84s

Kingston (Jamaica), Sep 22 – Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says athletes who represented the country in last month’s London Olympics will be rewarded for their efforts.

The Jamaican prime minister made her disclosure in Kingston following reports that the government was considering making cash donations to the athletes, CMC reports.

Prime Minister Simpson Miller says a special committee was set up to address this matter and she is currently awaiting its report.

“Yes but that will have to be signed off by cabinet before I can speak about it,” Prime Minister Simpson-Miller told TVJ sports.

“There is a particular committee dealing with that and they will be giving us a report for cabinet and then we will discuss and see how we can assist.”

Jamaica achieved its best ever performance at the Olympics capturing a record 12 medals – four gold, four silver, and four bronze.

Fifty athletes represented the country in four sporting disciplines — track and field, swimming, taikwondo and equestrian.

“I am expecting it (the report) not Monday coming because I will be going to the UN meeting and have some bilaterals on the margins there,” said the Jamaican prime minister.

“Yes we should be hearing something by then. I don’t want to tie myself to a particular date. I know the minister will be taking something for me before cabinet.”

Earlier, this month Sports Minister Natalie Neita-Headley announced plans to stage celebrations in honour of the athletes on the weekend of national heroes’ day around the middle of October.