I have always been captivated by Jamaica as a nation. With a population of only ten million people, Jamaica has given the world a religion – Rastafarianism; a music – reggae; larger-than-life iconic figures – Marcus Garvey and Bob Marley, the fastest human being the world has ever seen – Usain Bolt and I dare say a new language since the entire world sings or speaks with the Jamaican accent and vernacular. I understood the reason for such phenomena clearly when Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) boss, Capt Horace Burrell, decided to pay striking footballers from his own pocket (a sum in excess of US$15,000) rather than as he puts it, “I would rather die than to see Jamaica embarrassed, for the love of my country there is no sacrifice I wouldn’t undertake.”

With such pride, commitment and self-sacrifice, there should be little wonder or surprise when this little country achieves such gigantic feats.