Sporting Accomplishments Should Be Recorded as Part of Black History – Justice Robinson

Author of the book, ‘Jamaican Athletics…A Model for 2012 and the World’, Justice Patrick Robinson, has emphasised that Jamaica’s sporting accomplishments should be recorded as part of Black History.
According to Mr. Robinson, Jamaica’s worldwide success at sports could be attributed to the philosophy of National Hero, the Rt. Excellent Marcus Garvey, about “our ambitions to accomplish what we set out to achieve.” He added that the nation should aim to do likewise in all spheres of national life.
Speaking at a book signing ceremony, held at Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida, United States of America (USA), on February 14, Mr. Robinson said that the 140-page publication elaborates on the success story of Jamaican athletes, with particular emphasis on Jamaica’s triumph at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Under the distinguished patronage of Jamaican Consul General, Sandra Grant Griffiths, the event was hosted by the faculty of the Shepard Broad Law Centre of the Nova Southeastern University, as part of the Black History Month activities on campus.
Mr. Robinson said that with little resources, Jamaica’s performance was outstanding against the larger countries like the United States, stressing that Jamaica has produced the fastest man in the world, some of the best coaches, along with other giants in athletics, worldwide.
He said that he was encouraged to document aspects of Jamaica’s outstanding performance in athletics at the national level, having observed the natural talent and how the performances have evolved over the years.
According to Justice Robinson, the cover, in its design, is a reflection of the “old and new,” referring to the iconic images of former gold medallist, Arthur Wint (1948) and current world champion athlete, Usain Bolt (2008), in colours of the Jamaican flag.
The book also covers Jamaica’s dominant position in global athletics, using historical data, and reminding the reader of the country’s sporting heroes, who captivated international audiences.
Lauding the work of Justice Robinson, Law Professor, David Rowe, said that the book would “remind us of our proud Jamaican heritage, and it is an important contribution to Jamaican sports development and culture.”
The Consul General also praised Justice Robinson for his work in analysing and documenting the process of Jamaica’s outstanding performance in international sports, and at the same time, projecting a path for athletes.
She said that the event was an appropriate celebration in Black History Month, recognising the history of achievement in athletics at the Olympic level, dating back to gold medallist Arthur Wint (1948), and also the outstanding performance of National Hero, the Rt. Excellent Norman Manley, in 1911, at the genesis of the Boys and Girls Athletic Championships.
Justice Robinson has had a distinguished career in public service in Jamaica and internationally, particularly in the filed of International Law, having served on the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), the United Nations (UN) International Law Commission and the Legal Committee of the UN General Assembly.