A man celebrates from inside a moving car by clanging two Dutch pot covers in Water Square, Falmouth, Trelawny, yesterday. He was part of the crowd celebrating Usain Bolt's and Melaine Walker's gold medals in the men's 200m and the women's 400m hurdles, respectively. - photo by Noel Thompson

Many Portlanders believe that prime minister Bruce Golding should declare a national holiday in light of the performance of Jamaican athletes at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Portlanders were still celebrating Usain Bolt's world record run in the 100 metres yesterday when he also shattered the 200 metre record, adding more spark to their celebrations.

Patrick Lee, businessman and justice of the peace, had already begun planning a party for more than 20 of his workers when Bolt accomplished the feat.

Unprecedented

"This is unprecedented," he said. "Earlier, we had planned a small celebration for the staff as a result of the outstanding performance by our athletes, but today's (yesterday's) record run, along with that of Melaine Walker's, really calls for a celebration," he added.

Others, like Millicent Dodd and daughter Shana, are now hoarse, after shouting and urging the Jamaican athletes who, for them, performed at the highest standard.

Proud

"Bolt has done us proud. I must also commend Danny McFarlane and Michael Frater for their effort, along with all the female athletes. I believe Jamaica will get at least two medals in the 200 metres for women, and also in the 4x100 for men and women," she added.

Alec Dehaney, acting president of the Portland Chamber of Commerce, had high praises for the entire team, who he believes are true ambassadors of their country. Dehaney explained that the athletes had displayed a high level of discipline, which was reflected in their performances.