Jamaica's Olympic Champs represent more than just "athletic accomplishments". They represent the results of investment in our youth.

As we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of the Jamaican Athletes at the Olympics, like all Jamaicans worldwide, I am tremendously proud of our athletes. However, I view this as a lot more than simply "athletic accomplishments". The following quote from former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller that I read in the Jamaica Gleaner's online edition goes to the heart of how I view these accomplishments.

"Their success shall stand for all times as tangible proof that our investment in the creative talents of our youth is the cornerstone for national development." - Portia Simpson Miller

The significance of two 21-yr olds winning Gold in Beijing speaks resoundingly to the importance of investing our time and other resources in the development of our youth. As the often used cliche goes, "the children really are OUR FUTURE". Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser are more than just dynamic athletes, they represent the results of investment in the abilities of our youth. As a nation filled with youths with such a vast array of talents, from music to athletics to math to science and so on, our youths have a lot to offer to our nation and to the world at large. Sadly, however, for reasons too numerous to mention in one editorial, many of our youths never get the opportunity to develop their talents and be a positive contribution to our society.

As a Jamaican now living abroad in Houston, TX, I offer a challenge to all Jamaicans worldwide, that it is time that we all play a role, no matter how small we think it is, in helping to contribute to the resurgence of our great nation. Lots of us talk about the PROBLEMS that we face as a nation; not many of us talk about SOLUTIONS. Lorna Stanley of Operation Restoration, is one of those Jamaicans who is working on solutions rather than complaining about problems and I must big her up for that !! At SoulRebelProductions.com, we feel that we have a responsibility to do more than just entertain and inform others about our beautiful Caribbean Culture. We feel that we have an OBLIGATION to get INVOLVED and strive to make a difference in the quality of life in our native islands, especially as it concerns our youths. We are making our commitment to Jamaican yutes by helping Mrs. Stanley to fulfill her mission of providing education and opportunity for inner-city Jamaican yutes by sponsoring a couple of her students in the Trenchtown, Kingston area for the upcoming school year. For those who don't know, Trenchtown is one of the poorest, most crime-ridden garrisons in Jamaica and is the neighborhood where the Original Soul Rebel, Bob Marley, spent his formative years. That community obviously has great significance to us and is but one of the areas where we have elected to get involved with as we aim to make our mark.

As our Jamaican saying goes, "likkle likkle mek nuff nuff". Loosely translated, this means "a whole lot of a little bit, amounts to be a whole lot". When we all play our seemingly small roles, we can make a huge difference in the continued progressive development of our great nation. Our young athletes are but a small example of the endless possibilities that manifest themselves when we properly invest in our youth. JAMAICA LAND WE LOVE !! BLESS UP !!