The Editor, Sir:

August 2008 will forever be embedded in my mind as a time when joy, pride and the thrill of victory was present in our daily lives. My congratulations to our athletes, who made us so proud of our country that we all ran out and adorned our cars and bodies with anything that showed our colours and said Jamaica. I screamed, cried, danced and sang with each and every Jamaican athlete.

Extra special was the moment when the entire 'Bird's Nest' Stadium sang Happy Birthday not once, but twice to our own dear Usain Bolt. Then, my heart overflowed on his return home, when he stood before Jamaica and thanked those who stood behind him all the years when he struggled and worked so hard to reach where he is today.

Bolt can teach our own dear Captain Burrell a thing or two. How many years did it take Professor Simoes to train our Reggae Boyz to reach World Cup football? Four years, five years at least! How can Captain conceive that he could do it this time in seven or eight months, especially with all the obstacles he had along the way. Many of which, I am sure he has chosen not to share with us. Professor Simoes deserved better than the disgraceful manner in which he was handled and I applaud all Jamaicans who stand up for the injustices carried out daily against our own citizens.

As the Brazilians leave Jamaica, I want them to know, and to convey to Professor Simoes, that they carry our hearts with them. We are tremendously grateful for the love and loyalty that they have shown to a land they call their second home ... a land that they will leave with heads bowed and much sadness.

I have always wished the best for our Jamaican team. Professor Simoes built his football programme on solid rock. Be careful Captain, that you do not build on sand.

I am, etc.,

NYLA D'ANDREA