The Editor, Sir:

Ian Boyne's article 'Gully creepers dominate Beijing' (Sunday, August 24) is an excellent analysis, from a Jamaican perspective, of what happened at the Olympics last week.

I particularly agreed with his quote from Edward Seaga about the contribution (or as some would say non-contribution) of the so called 'upper' and privileged classes to anything that is worthwhile in advancing the nation called Jamaica.

I would just add two points:

With the 'right' management any Olympic gold medallist can make US$3-US$5 million from endorsement contracts. I would conservatively guess that if Bolt's career lasts another 10 years, his earnings could be US$20-US$30 million. There will be many persons and institutions that will want to 'advise' him how to invest this sum.

The best thing that the Government could do for these athletes is to ensure that at least a third of their earnings is put in a safe place, so that when they come to the end of their sporting lives, (which can be, sadly, cut short at any time), they have more than pleasant memories to live on.

Jamaica must begin to treat its athletic prowess the way the North Americans and Europeans treat their technology. They don't share this with any and everyone.

There will now be many nations coming to ask 'how did you accomplish this'? Jamaicans, be very guarded in the replies or at least only tell them what you were doing four years ago.

Don't give away your latest 'technological' secrets. Or better still, tell them it is the yam and water.

I am, etc.,

EARL FLYNN

earlflynn@yahoo.com

Ontario, Canada