Kingston (Jamaica), Feb 5 (IANS/CMC): Jamaica’s first and highest-ranked international umpire Joseph Clarke has once again written his name in the history books.

Clarke has become the first Jamaican to be appointed as an umpire for badminton in the Commonwealth Games since it was held in Jamaica in 1966. The games this year will be staged in Scotland from July 3 to Aug 3.

Since 1997, Clarke has embarked on a historic line of achievements which include becoming the country’s first Pan American accredited umpire, the first Jamaican and Caribbean person to ever be elected to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Council, and the first and only Jamaican to become a BWF accredited umpire.

"Working at major events like the Commonwealth and Pan Am Games shows that our country is committed towards the development of the sport in all areas. It also means when we are hosting major events such as the Caribbean Championships in August 2014, we have qualified professionals within our country and do not have to rely on outside assistance to ensure their success," said Clarke.

Clarke has served at all four Pan American Games since 1999, and is the first Jamaican to officiate at the US Open Badminton Championships, World Junior Championships and World Team Championships. He was also an international trainer and an assessor certifying international umpires between 1999 and 2004.