 After 23 years of consecutive representation to her country, and with the solution flag still wrapped around her back, Laverne Spencer is saluted for outstanding achievements in high jump. Constituency rep for Barbono, Honorable Dr. Virginia Albert Poyot, is honored to have Laverne home. From the constituency of Barbono, we are very proud of her as a constituent and her performance. She has actually put St. Lucia on the whole stage. She has created an impact and normally we use the word she has raised the bar for all our young people. So we are very excited to welcome her home as she has decided to take her retirement from high jumping. Having proudly carried the flag for her country at four successive Olympic Games, Laverne felt the time had come for her to retire. It was a tough decision, but it's a decision that you have to make some time, some point in life. My body spoke to me and then it's going to tell you when it's time to retire. And I started speaking to me and I was like, okay, it's time to give up the spikes and let's make way for the younger ones coming up. So now I'm just relaxing and taking it all in and going through the process and all the years have tortured my body, bartered through cold and sun and pain and aches. So like I said in my in my little speech, you know, it was a lot of highs and lows. It wasn't all smooth sailing, but it was worth it. I don't think I have any regrets. It was tough, but now that I'm done, I'm going to try to relax and enjoy it. During her retirement, Laverne plans to assist younger athletes in achieving success and contribute to sports development in St. Lucia. Marvin St. Louis reporting from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports.