Jamaica has been great since 1948 when we entered the olys.
We went thru a lean patch in the 1960s and early 1970s. Up till 1979, it was all male in terms of medals. From then on, the Ottey era, the ladies have dominated...right up till Athens, when the men started to emerge again and equaalize.
Jamaica sprinting has almost always been stronger than Cuba's. Cuba had Juantereno in the 400m/800m and Silvio Leonard in the short sprints (Anna Quirot and Calatayud in the middle distance). We have had far more sprinters over the years, while Cuba has been great in boxing and field events/hurdles.
Jamaica is the catalyst for the Caribbean resurgence and the foundation is CHAMPS, as Ato has told you all. Building on Champs, we now have PRO outfits in Jamaica that coach Jakans, Trinis, Antguans, Kittitians and Bajans. On top of that Carifta has created much needed internal rivalries and have given opportunities to talent in other Caribbean islands to be recruited to US colleges. Virtuous circle.
Of all the islands though, Jamaica and Bahamas have the most T&F passion!