JAMAICA is planning a major celebration for its athletics heroes when they return home from the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China.

"Nuff things a go gwan, nuff, nuff things," Prime Minister Bruce Golding told JIS News, after Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser, Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson created Olympic history when they swept the 100m yesterday.

Golding did not say what was being planned, but said his Government would be working out how best to honour the athletes when they return.

Fraser won the race in 10.78 seconds, while Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson were dead heat for silver in 10.98 seconds.

"It can't get any better than this. I mean, there are only three medals in the race and we took them all. How can it get better than this? This is so good and fantastic," an excited Golding said after watching the race on television at Jamaica House.

"Usain Bolt started it yesterday (Saturday) with that tremendous performance and the women came out today to show that woman power on the track is as powerful as anything that Usain can do. It is so wonderful. I love them all," Golding said.

Bolt won the men's 100-metre in a world record 9.69 seconds.

This is the first time in the history of the Olympic Games that one country has taken all the medals in the women's 100-metres. It is also the first time since 1988 that one country was winning both the men's and women's 100-metre races. It was last achieved by the United States.

In the meantime, Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller, in congratulating the female Jamaican sprinters yesterday, said they had given a magnificent performance.

"I stand with the entire citizenry and all Jamaicans throughout the Diaspora in acknowledgement of the exquisite sportswomanship and athletic prowess of our female athletes," Simpson Miller said in a statement yesterday.

She said it was a proud time for Jamaica and the performance of the country's athlete was a testimony of their value, and the pivotal role they play in national development.

Said Simpson Miller: "This (performance) is also to be considered a fitting tribute for our country on the very day we commemorate the 121st anniversary of the birth of the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey who told us: 'Up, up you mighty race you can accomplish what you will!' Indeed he was right and today we have."

Also, Peter Phillips, a senior vice president of the Opposition People's National Party, said Jamaica continued to confirm its dominance in world athletics with the top three placements in the 100-metre final for women.

Phillips said while the three women deserved heartiest congratulations, commendations should also be extended to their coaches.

Yesterday, Jamaicans in the United Kingdom also congratulated Bolt for winning the Olympic gold in a world record time.

The group, Facilitators for a Better Jamaica, said members of the Jamaican community felt "such pride and simply sheer joy and happiness to see Bolt achieve such a wonderful feat".

Michelle, a Jamaican living in the UK, told the Observer last night that Jamaicans there were in a celebratory mood.

"I can't wait to see the ceremony where they will be given the medals and the Jamaican flag raised because I am just so proud to be a Jamaican right now," she said.

The sentiments were similar in the United States as Jamaicans there celebrate their country's victory.

"Jamaicans here are so excited, we can't stop singing the praise for our countrymen. I am so proud of them," said Elaine, who lives in New York. "I hope the prime minister has big plans for the athletes when they return home; a parade would be nice," she said.

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