New York NY USA - It is with great sadness and sorrow that we learned today that one of our greatest athlete and a CAC icon, our dear friend Herb McKenley has passed away in Kingston, Jamaica on Monday, November 26 after battling a long illness.

Herb was one of our most inspirational individuals and a role model for many of us in the CAC region, not only as an athlete but as a leader. He served our sport in many capacities, first as an active athlete and then following his retirement as an educator, administrator, director, coach and technical expert. Herb was one of the founding members of the CACAC Technical Committee when it was established in 1978 and we learned a lot from him. He was very proud of his involvement with the CAC Athletics.

Herb McKenley was a giant in our sport that alongside Wint, Rhoden, Laing, Fortun and LaBeach established the roots for the development of track and field in the Central American and Caribbean region. Therefore, we would like to encourage all our member federations to pay tribute to Herb McKenley during the 2008 season and make sure our young athletes learn about his accomplishments and performances.

When the CACAC decided to establish its Hall of Fame the first name that came to our minds for the first class of inductees was Herb McKenley. Herb and some of his teammates from the great Jamaican teams of the 40s and 50s were inducted into the CAC Hall of Fame in 2003. We would like to invite the visitors of our web page to click on the hall of fame site to learn about Herb McKenley's great achievements.

On behalf of the CAC Athletics Family and friends we would like to express our most sincere condolences to Herb's family, to the JAAA and to the people of Jamaica for the loss of one of its Hero.

REST IN PEACE DEAR HERB...