The Upper House of Parliament paid tribute Friday to iconic track and field coach, Stephen Francis, who died last week.

State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley led the tributes and credited Francis for leaving a career in finance, where his expertise were highly pursued, and “daring to change the face of track and field in Jamaica and across the world.”

While further noting that Francis co-founded the Maximising Velocity and Power Track & Field Club, more popularly known as MVP, Fitz-Henley hailed the impact of the club.

“As we in the Parliament pause to pay tribute to the work of a great Jamaican. there is no doubt that the club founded by Stephen Francis and his associates, has galvanised Jamaica’s sprinting dominance across the globe. MVP members have achieved a remarkable tally across the Olympic Games, World Championships and World Indoor Championships,” Fitz-Henley commented.

He reiterated that under the guidance of Francis, the club has contributed more than 110 medals to Jamaica at major global championships, including over 37 Olympic medals and 75 World Championship medals.

“We hail Stephen Francis’ work which has transformed how Jamaica is viewed whenever a major track and field competition beckons. But for me Sir, Stephen Francis’ greatest contributions may be contemplated in a dual manner. Firstly, the countless lives he transformed. His ability to take people who were not regarded as ‘Champs stars’, but seen as average talent or people who were unknown and nurture them into world beaters and superstars on the global stage,” Senator Fitz-Henley said.

Minister Fitz-Henley also highlighted the role Francis played in the journey to stardom of several high profile athletes including Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Asafa Powell, Shericka Jackson and Brigette-Foster Hylton.

“None of what I alluded to just now would have likely been possible without guidance of Stephen Francis, who was one of a kind. For me, his greatest contributions to Jamaica, how his work, his unique expertise and his dedication to seeing his mentees being the best they can be, was able to consistently lift the Jamaican psyche and bring an outpouring of happiness to a nation, which from time to time encounters sombre moments,” Fitz-Henley said.

Opposition Senator Lambert Brown also paid tribute to Francis, noting his contribution to coaching former world record holder Asafa Powell along with the hurdler Melanie Walker and the fastest woman alive over 100 metres, Elaine Thompson Herah.

“He was a genius. He was the world’s greatest track and field coach of all times. He was also brilliant at academia. He dominated the Schools Challenge Quiz competition. He was two degrees but the enigma choose track and field and turns his hobby into a business venture,” Senator Brown commented.

Government Senator and prominent attorney-at-law Christian Tavares-Finson lauded Francis for his commitment to developing Jamaica’s youth.

“Indeed, many of his greatest accomplishments occurred quietly, away from television cameras and newspaper headlines. While others celebrated victory, he was already preparing for tomorrow’s challenge. While others admired success, he remained focused on continuous improvement. That relentless pursuit of excellence became his signature. It is perhaps fitting that a man who dedicated his life to developing others rarely sought personal acclaim,” Senator Tavares-Finson commented.