St. George’s, Grenada, November 3, 2008 – The Government of Grenada takes this opportunity to congratulate Lewis Hamilton on winning the Formula One World Championship on Sunday November 2, 2008.

Hamilton, whose paternal grandparents are from Grenada, finished fifth in the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix and clinched the 2008 Formula One World Championship, becoming the youngest, driver to win the title, as well as the first black. He needed to finish at least fifth in the race to win the World Championship for the McLaren Mercedes team.

The Government is hoping that Hamilton’s victory will continue to inspire young people, especially in Grenada since recent exploits of teenagers Kirani James (Athletics) and Andre Fletcher (Cricket) have demonstrated that there is hope.

“We are proud to recognise this outstanding performance of Mr. Hamilton who has rose to international stardom despite his humble background,” Prime Minister Tillman Thomas said.

“He has become a shining beacon to many your people who are being challenged in life,” he said.

Hamilton’s win comes within recent outstanding performances of the likes of James and Fletcher. James won the 400 metres in the Commonwealth Youth Games in India earlier this month while Fletcher was a member of the Stanford Superstars team which won the Stanford 20/20 For 20 on Saturday.

“We are hoping that this could fillip Grenada’s potential as a shining gem in the Caribbean,” Sports Minister Patrick Simmons said.

He said the Government will continue to provide the necessary support to encourage and motivate young sportsmen and women. “Our support will be manifested in the budgetary allocation for sports,” he said.

The Government is expected to make a major announcement in the very near future.

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