Jamaica's Usain Bolt reacts after a men's 200-metre heat during the athletics competitions in the national stadium at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Monday, August 18. - ap

St Elizabeth

Deputy mayor of Black River, S. Ruben Myers:

"Usain Bolt has done Jamaica proud, and being the first person to win a gold medal for the country in the men's 100m in over three decades is a significant achievement. I wish for this young man long life and good health and that the Almighty God would give him the strength to keep our flag flowing high. I wish for everything that is good. He will be 22 years old; he has a long future ahead of him and I just wish that he stays focused and continues to be that great ambassador for Jamaica."

He also said the parish council "wished the Government of Jamaica would do something memorable for him". "I am thinking of something like a car or a piece of land that, after many years, he could still look at it as an achievement for his commitment to the sport of track and field."

"I think the Government should do something impressive for Bolt. What he has done for Jamaica will be remembered long after the Beijing games," said pastor of the Brucefield Gospel in Brucefield, Kenneth Monteith.

He said he wished that Bolt's gold-medal performance could rekindle love and unity among Jamaicans on his birthday.

Pastor Monteith also noted that he wishes for the young athlete the ability to do better than he is doing now in the next five or 10 years.

For her part, managing director of Tidy Tots Educare, located in Black River, Janet Mullings said for uniting the country with his golden performances, "he deserves a gift that he will cherish for many years to come. He really did Jamaica proud and I wish for him all that is good for the future".

"Upon his return to Jamaica, the Government should come up with something meaningful to keep Bolt's 22nd birthday alive in his memory. I wish that this would be something that, after many years, his golden performances would bring joy to his heart. Thank you, Usain; thank you for what you did for the entire Jamaica," Mullings said.

Portland

Mayor of Port Antonio, Floyd Patterson:

"I prefer to await the prime minister's speech regarding what plans are in place for Usain. However, it is my belief that he should be fitted with a guard of honour. And not just him, but the entire Olympic team. Usain's performance is an indication that our island is loaded with talents, It is a perfect achievement, especially during his bithrday celebrations."

Acting president of the Portland Chamber of Commerce, Alec Dehaney:

"It is an inspiration to our country, and we have proven to the world that our parts are much greater than the whole. Every nation needs an individual like Usain to point us in the right direction. He could not have got a better birthday present, unless it came from God."

Pastor of Boundbrook Seventh-day Adventist district of churches, Mike Henry:

"It is an outstanding achievement and I wish him all the best. I am hoping, however, that his achievements on the track will also reflect on all aspect of his life."

Manchester

Pastor Patrick Allen, president of the West Indies Union ofSeventh-day Adventist:

"Usain was obviously focused on letting every Jamaican celebrate his birthday with the memory of his historic 100m run and by an encore performance in the 200m. We certainly need this kind of determined attitude to do good and make people happy in every facet of Jamaican life. Usain has shown that we can be a model for the entire world and we should, in return, spare no effort in appreciating the worth of his performance. Usain, you are a gift from God. I trust that my fellow Jamaicans will seize the opportunity, not just to celebrate with Usain, but to reflect on how blessed we are as a small nation. Happy Birthday. God bless you."

Irwin Facey - deputy mayor of Mandeville:

"Heartiest congratulations to Usain on behalf of the council for crowning his birthday with such an outstanding achievement at the Olympics. He has not only made himself proud, but the entire nation. I wish him continued success and I hope he will use this performance as a motivating factor for all he does in his life. I trust he will continue to be focused."

Winston Lawson, president of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce:

"I extend a happy birthday to Usain from the Manchester Chamber of Commerce. What I would hope is that he will now realise that his achievements have cast on him the responsibility of being a role model, something the chamber strongly believes is necessary for Jamaica at this time. His achievement is a reminder to everyone about the reward of hard work and perseverance. I hope he will continue to use his achievement as an inspiration to all."