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”.