KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Sports Minister Olivia Grange have paid tribute to legendary track and field coach Stephen Francis, describing him as an iconic figure whose guidance propelled many of Jamaica’s legendary athletes to international stardom and helped elevate the country’s standing on the global athletics stage.

Francis, co-founder and technical director of the MVP Track Club, died late Saturday, a day after celebrating his 64th birthday.

READ: Stephen Francis, legendary Jamaican track coach, has died

In a statement on Sunday, Holness described Francis’ contribution to building Brand Jamaica as “immeasurable and worthy of high praise”.

“There is no doubt that Stephen was a patriot who wanted the best for his country. His work impacted a host of lives in positive ways,” the prime minister said.

He noted that Francis, affectionately known to his friends and supporters as “Franno”, made the bold decision to leave a career in finance to pursue coaching, a move that helped shape one of the greatest legacies in track and field.

“That choice helped shape one of the greatest legacies in track and field and inspired countless athletes to believe in themselves and pursue excellence,” he continued.

Stephen Francis

Holness said Jamaica has lost “a remarkable son whose impact will be felt for generations” and extended condolences to Francis’ family, friends, athletes and the wider sporting fraternity.

“Stephen knew how much we appreciated his work and his herculean contribution to our island and to global track and field in general,” he added.

The sports minister also expressed shock at Francis’ passing, describing him as an iconic coach who had an understanding of the business of sport.

“Stephen Francis is responsible for a large part of the pride and joy which Jamaicans feel when our athletes do well on the international stage. He was a unique person who used his talents to bring glory to our country and to improve the lives of countless athletes who benefitted from his guidance and tremendous expertise. Our country owes Stephen a debt of gratitude,” Grange said in her own statement on Sunday.

She noted that part of Francis’ legacy was his commitment to improving the lives of multiple generations as he positioned his athletes to dominate on the global stage and also encouraged them to give back to their families, communities and Jamaica as a whole.

“Stephen was not merely an excellent coach. He played a pioneering role in the formation of the MVP Track Club. On behalf of the Government of Jamaica, I express heartfelt condolences to his brother, Paul, his friends and colleagues, including Bruce James and the entire team at MVP. We are deeply saddened at the passing of Stephen and celebrate his contribution to Jamaica,” Grange said.

In 2017, Francis was awarded the Order of Jamaica, the country’s fourth-highest national honour, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to track and field through coaching, particularly for his role in building the MVP Track Club and guiding a host of Jamaicans to glory.