Leaving a lot of uncertainty and chaos behind, the Jamaican paralympic team journeyed to Seoul and secured eight medals. Minister Bartlett welcomed the athletes home and shared how proud the government and people were of the accomplishment.

PUBLISHED FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1988

Bartlett showers praise on Paralympic team

THE Minister of Youth and Community Development, Edmund Bartlett, on Wednesday night showered praises on Jamaica’s team to the 1988 Paralympic Games in Seoul, lauding them for their brilliant performances among the best in the world.

Speaking at a function hosted by the ministry at the Wyndham Hotel, Minister Bartlett commended the athletes for what he described as a truly splendid effort.

“Following on the fine performances of our team at the Summer Olympics, your performance has once again demonstrated to the world just now great this small island of ours is. In true Jamaican style, you have shown them that we little but we tallawah

“You, however, are special. Not only is Jamaica number one in the Caribbean, but we are way ahead in international competition, and certainly in terms of medal standings, above even our able-bodied athletes.

“This latest performance is another important milestone in the development of paraplegic sports in Jamaica. It is also a testimony of the fact that you may be disabled, but certainly not unable.  You have all demonstrated the seriousness of purpose and that sense of commitment so necessary for eventual success.”

In a speech which had guests of honour blushing throughout, Minister Bartlett went on, “When you consider that you left here just after Hurricane Gilbert that you must have been concerned about the problems of your families, your success in Seoul demonstrates a sense of purpose as well as the quality of the person.

“To go through all that, and to win eight meals – one gold, four silver, and three bronze – shows that you that this third-world country has the ability to trade punches with the best from anywhere, any time.”

Speaking on behalf of the athletes, Henrietta Davis thanked the people of South Korea for their hospitality, and the people of Jamaica for their support.

According to Davis, the people of Korea are very warm and courteous, and of all the countries they have visited, Korea deserves an ‘A’ for hospitality.

In thanking the people of Jamaica for their support, the smiling Davis said.

“The response of the people of Jamaica tells us that we are the cream of the crop. We can therefore only say to them – continue to put your money in us and you cannot lose.”

The other competitors present were gold medallist Sylvia Grant Jefferson Davis, and Tony Brown, as well as coach Belinda Phillips, Sir John and Lady Golding, Korean Ambassador Moon and Insport Chairman Vivian Rochester, who thanked the athletes for the example they have set for those in the country who are handicapped.

Also present were Horace Edwards – permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Community Development, Lincoln Chambers – financial controller at the Institute of Sports, Aston Levy, also of Insport, and two of the country’s most successful paraplegic competitors, Sarah Newland and Nella McPherson.

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