https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/ Sun, 17 May 2026 04:37:03 +0000 MyBB https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-113.html Sat, 01 Jul 2017 09:20:43 +0100 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-113.html
Burrell, who lost his valiant battle with prostate cancer on June 6 in the USA, was eulogised as a visionary leader, astute businessman, Jamaican patriot, devoted family man, and a gentleman of refined taste.

These colourful tributes for the former head of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) were not just words coined to paint him in a glorious light. Everything said of the inimitable Burrell was true and honest and flowed from the purest part of the human souls that regaled him.

No doubt, Jamaica has parted ways with a giant among men.

Burrell was 67.

Recognised as the patriarch of modern Jamaican football, Burrell's larger than life attitude, steely determination, and commitment to cause complete the legacy he leaves behind.

But more importantly, he was a champion of his people and loved his country almost to a fault, and his service in their interest goes beyond measure.

However, it was in football that he made his mark. Apart from his family, Captain Burrell loved nothing more.

And though he was at home walking the corridors of the game's power brokers, it was with the business of Jamaica's football that had his heart in a tight knot. He could not break free even if he wanted to. He was hooked.

His signature achievement of leading Jamaica to the promised land of the FIFA World Cup in France 1998 has immortalised him. Captain Burrell is now woven in the fabric of what is great about this spot of land in the Caribbean Sea.

“Horace Burrell was not a man who settled for average, he used to say to me, Coach, you only live once, so you must live in first class. 'He was determined to be the best at everything he did. When he took over the JFF, he set his eyes towards goals no one had achieved before,” shared former Reggae Boyz technical director and Burrell's Road to France co-agitator, the Brazilian Rene Simoes.

“I wasn't available in Brazil, but he convinced me to move to Jamaica with my family to work day and night to support the Road to France programme. He always stands strong by his vision, even through the hardest criticism. Excellence was mandatory for him and he liked everything to be top of the line... and he did live a top of the line life,” the Brazilian went on.

Simoes, who became very close friends with Burrell since their paths first intertwined in 1994, remembered the man as a purveyor of “love and compassion”. And much more.

“(He was) a natural leader, a visionary, a successful businessman, a football lover, and a good servant to Jamaica.

“Behind a tough appearance was a man (of) kindness, a man who have become a part of my life and I will miss hearing him call me 'Big coach'. He was not a perfect man, no one is, but to me he was top of the line and he will be greatly missed,” said Simoes, who wept openly throughout the “top of the line” service for a “top of the line” man.

It was fitting that football dignitaries — from home and abroad — came out to pay their last respects to one of the game's most dynamic personalities, for the suave Burrell made scored in high and low places.

CONCACAF president, Canadian Victor Montagliani, in his tribute, remembered Burrell's unshakeable love for family.

“One of the last conversations I had with Captain Burrell was in Aruba, and I said to him 'Captain you should be proud you have a great family and great kids', and he said to me, 'Vic it is not all about cups, it is about family.' And so through all the work and dedication and appreciation for football, he never forgot that the real world cup was his family,” Montagliani noted.

“Today (yesterday), I stand before you on behalf of the FIFA president and on behalf of the 41 nations of CONCACAF, we are here not only to mourn the loss of a great man and a great friend, but also to celebrate the great accomplishments.

“He was a great football visionary, not only within our region, but in FIFA as well. We will take as victory his years of service to the game and the football family... (we) thank Captain Burrell for his extraordinary passion for the sport and for his tremendous work to capture the fans or to discover new talent,” the Canadian added.

Meanwhile, US Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati hailed Burrell as a pioneer of Jamaica's football.

“We have been friends for a long time, and competitors on the field with our teams for a long time so it's a big loss for Jamaica and the football community. I think he almost single-handedly took the sport to a higher level in Jamaica, and in many ways in the CFU (Caribbean Football Union). He was relentless [and] had a great vision for the sport, and also on top of all that, he was an extraordinary family man. So football as indeed lost a giant,” said the American.]]>
Burrell, who lost his valiant battle with prostate cancer on June 6 in the USA, was eulogised as a visionary leader, astute businessman, Jamaican patriot, devoted family man, and a gentleman of refined taste.

These colourful tributes for the former head of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) were not just words coined to paint him in a glorious light. Everything said of the inimitable Burrell was true and honest and flowed from the purest part of the human souls that regaled him.

No doubt, Jamaica has parted ways with a giant among men.

Burrell was 67.

Recognised as the patriarch of modern Jamaican football, Burrell's larger than life attitude, steely determination, and commitment to cause complete the legacy he leaves behind.

But more importantly, he was a champion of his people and loved his country almost to a fault, and his service in their interest goes beyond measure.

However, it was in football that he made his mark. Apart from his family, Captain Burrell loved nothing more.

And though he was at home walking the corridors of the game's power brokers, it was with the business of Jamaica's football that had his heart in a tight knot. He could not break free even if he wanted to. He was hooked.

His signature achievement of leading Jamaica to the promised land of the FIFA World Cup in France 1998 has immortalised him. Captain Burrell is now woven in the fabric of what is great about this spot of land in the Caribbean Sea.

“Horace Burrell was not a man who settled for average, he used to say to me, Coach, you only live once, so you must live in first class. 'He was determined to be the best at everything he did. When he took over the JFF, he set his eyes towards goals no one had achieved before,” shared former Reggae Boyz technical director and Burrell's Road to France co-agitator, the Brazilian Rene Simoes.

“I wasn't available in Brazil, but he convinced me to move to Jamaica with my family to work day and night to support the Road to France programme. He always stands strong by his vision, even through the hardest criticism. Excellence was mandatory for him and he liked everything to be top of the line... and he did live a top of the line life,” the Brazilian went on.

Simoes, who became very close friends with Burrell since their paths first intertwined in 1994, remembered the man as a purveyor of “love and compassion”. And much more.

“(He was) a natural leader, a visionary, a successful businessman, a football lover, and a good servant to Jamaica.

“Behind a tough appearance was a man (of) kindness, a man who have become a part of my life and I will miss hearing him call me 'Big coach'. He was not a perfect man, no one is, but to me he was top of the line and he will be greatly missed,” said Simoes, who wept openly throughout the “top of the line” service for a “top of the line” man.

It was fitting that football dignitaries — from home and abroad — came out to pay their last respects to one of the game's most dynamic personalities, for the suave Burrell made scored in high and low places.

CONCACAF president, Canadian Victor Montagliani, in his tribute, remembered Burrell's unshakeable love for family.

“One of the last conversations I had with Captain Burrell was in Aruba, and I said to him 'Captain you should be proud you have a great family and great kids', and he said to me, 'Vic it is not all about cups, it is about family.' And so through all the work and dedication and appreciation for football, he never forgot that the real world cup was his family,” Montagliani noted.

“Today (yesterday), I stand before you on behalf of the FIFA president and on behalf of the 41 nations of CONCACAF, we are here not only to mourn the loss of a great man and a great friend, but also to celebrate the great accomplishments.

“He was a great football visionary, not only within our region, but in FIFA as well. We will take as victory his years of service to the game and the football family... (we) thank Captain Burrell for his extraordinary passion for the sport and for his tremendous work to capture the fans or to discover new talent,” the Canadian added.

Meanwhile, US Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati hailed Burrell as a pioneer of Jamaica's football.

“We have been friends for a long time, and competitors on the field with our teams for a long time so it's a big loss for Jamaica and the football community. I think he almost single-handedly took the sport to a higher level in Jamaica, and in many ways in the CFU (Caribbean Football Union). He was relentless [and] had a great vision for the sport, and also on top of all that, he was an extraordinary family man. So football as indeed lost a giant,” said the American.]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-70.html Thu, 19 Jan 2017 07:59:21 +0000 fbjnewsie]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-70.html
The St Catherine and Clarendon referees groups recently withdrew their membership from the JFRA, and Clayton accused Brown of not providing adequate services for the fees charged and insisted on a forensic audit and that money owed be paid over to them.

He also questioned the organisation's purpose after FIFA placed the responsibilities of administering and training local elite referees on national associations in 2014. Clayton says that the JFRA is nothing more than a social club that is still not meeting its members' needs.

"We pay $,1500 a month for referee dues, $450 for CUG, $50 for welfare, and $335 for insurance. So a balance of $655 is left. When other people were in charge, that $655 was used for Christmas parties and awards, but we haven't had one in six years. So why pay over this fund?" he asked.

Clayton, a vice-president in the previous administration, led by Courtney Campbell, said that Campbell generated sponsorship to host these functions during his stint so money in the JFRA coffers for that purpose was untouched.

But Brown noted that the decision to discontinue the annual Christmas party was taken by the previous administrators, and instead, funds were allocated to the confederations to host their own parties and awards.

"Central had it one time and KSAFA held theirs twice, and they got their money. Other confeds were supposed to do it, including South Central, but they did not, but the money is there for them to use," he stated.

A $15,000 salary bump given to the two office administrators after the association cried that it had no funds is also a bone of contention for Clayton. Brown, however, countered that the increase was long overdue.

 

OTHERS MAY PULL AWAY
 

Clayton warned that the actions of the JFRA would force other parish referee associations to pull away from the organisation, and wants Brown and his executives to resign and an audit to be done before fresh elections are called.

"The JFRA is not a must. You don't have to be a part of the it based on constitution, so pulling away from the JFRA means we will save some funds. My referees (St Catherine) have a problem, so we send a letter; Clarendon is having problems and they are brave enough to send a letter, and there are more letters to come," Clayton said. "They all need to resign, put everything on pause, have a forensic audit, and start afresh. It (JFRA) serves no purpose whatsoever."

Brown is nonetheless ignoring the calls for his resignation and notes that they are in the process of doing an audit. He also hopes to iron out some of the concerns raised.

"I have nothing to resign for and I have no intention of resigning," he stated. "Mr Clayton doesn't have the moral or legal right to question the purpose of the organisation ... the JFRA is of utmost importance. It is very relevant and needed."

"We are in the process of doing an audit soon, which will be supplied to all the members of the JFRA. We hope to iron things out with Clarendon. They have some legitimate concerns, and we are hopeful we can discus and come to a better understanding, and they will want to come back," added Brown. "St Catherine has flatly rejected any meeting with us. But any time St Catherine feel they want to return to the JFRA, the door is wide open."]]>
The St Catherine and Clarendon referees groups recently withdrew their membership from the JFRA, and Clayton accused Brown of not providing adequate services for the fees charged and insisted on a forensic audit and that money owed be paid over to them.

He also questioned the organisation's purpose after FIFA placed the responsibilities of administering and training local elite referees on national associations in 2014. Clayton says that the JFRA is nothing more than a social club that is still not meeting its members' needs.

"We pay $,1500 a month for referee dues, $450 for CUG, $50 for welfare, and $335 for insurance. So a balance of $655 is left. When other people were in charge, that $655 was used for Christmas parties and awards, but we haven't had one in six years. So why pay over this fund?" he asked.

Clayton, a vice-president in the previous administration, led by Courtney Campbell, said that Campbell generated sponsorship to host these functions during his stint so money in the JFRA coffers for that purpose was untouched.

But Brown noted that the decision to discontinue the annual Christmas party was taken by the previous administrators, and instead, funds were allocated to the confederations to host their own parties and awards.

"Central had it one time and KSAFA held theirs twice, and they got their money. Other confeds were supposed to do it, including South Central, but they did not, but the money is there for them to use," he stated.

A $15,000 salary bump given to the two office administrators after the association cried that it had no funds is also a bone of contention for Clayton. Brown, however, countered that the increase was long overdue.

 

OTHERS MAY PULL AWAY
 

Clayton warned that the actions of the JFRA would force other parish referee associations to pull away from the organisation, and wants Brown and his executives to resign and an audit to be done before fresh elections are called.

"The JFRA is not a must. You don't have to be a part of the it based on constitution, so pulling away from the JFRA means we will save some funds. My referees (St Catherine) have a problem, so we send a letter; Clarendon is having problems and they are brave enough to send a letter, and there are more letters to come," Clayton said. "They all need to resign, put everything on pause, have a forensic audit, and start afresh. It (JFRA) serves no purpose whatsoever."

Brown is nonetheless ignoring the calls for his resignation and notes that they are in the process of doing an audit. He also hopes to iron out some of the concerns raised.

"I have nothing to resign for and I have no intention of resigning," he stated. "Mr Clayton doesn't have the moral or legal right to question the purpose of the organisation ... the JFRA is of utmost importance. It is very relevant and needed."

"We are in the process of doing an audit soon, which will be supplied to all the members of the JFRA. We hope to iron things out with Clarendon. They have some legitimate concerns, and we are hopeful we can discus and come to a better understanding, and they will want to come back," added Brown. "St Catherine has flatly rejected any meeting with us. But any time St Catherine feel they want to return to the JFRA, the door is wide open."]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-12.html Wed, 27 Jul 2016 08:18:55 +0100 johntom]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-12.html
Why aren't we motivating kids in the "grassroots" programmes to learn new languages? Spanish, French, Portuguese

Why would we wait for them to learn a language *after* they move to a certain country on football business?

Wouldn't it be great to put down that one knows a minimum of 4 languages?

Why isn't JFF more aggressive towards sports and building academys, even if it is to farm out the youths; at least they will have something to look forward to other than meeting a brick wall after reaching a certain again.

Why isn't a true grassroots programme isn't prepared, and spread across al parishes via the JFF representatives of that parish?

Why is it just for show and the moment someone stops looking then the program dies?

Don't you think athletics would have died if treated that way too?

Since the 60's how many athletics champions have we had?

Is it that we are worthless and deserve to be at the bottom of the football pile instead of respected as a formidable force in the game?

We have not won anything; don't get swell-headed about it. A trophy here, or one there in 3 generations is not winning anything. The demands should be higher, and we shouldn't even smile upon winning a single competition. We are just too talented for that.]]>
Why aren't we motivating kids in the "grassroots" programmes to learn new languages? Spanish, French, Portuguese

Why would we wait for them to learn a language *after* they move to a certain country on football business?

Wouldn't it be great to put down that one knows a minimum of 4 languages?

Why isn't JFF more aggressive towards sports and building academys, even if it is to farm out the youths; at least they will have something to look forward to other than meeting a brick wall after reaching a certain again.

Why isn't a true grassroots programme isn't prepared, and spread across al parishes via the JFF representatives of that parish?

Why is it just for show and the moment someone stops looking then the program dies?

Don't you think athletics would have died if treated that way too?

Since the 60's how many athletics champions have we had?

Is it that we are worthless and deserve to be at the bottom of the football pile instead of respected as a formidable force in the game?

We have not won anything; don't get swell-headed about it. A trophy here, or one there in 3 generations is not winning anything. The demands should be higher, and we shouldn't even smile upon winning a single competition. We are just too talented for that.]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-7.html Mon, 25 Jul 2016 06:10:59 +0100 bigballer13]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-7.html

• Linnel McLean JP – Chairman
  Bruce Gaynor
  Carvel Stewart
  Andre Virtue

FINANCE

• Garfield Sinclair – Chairman
  Peter Reid
  Stewart Stephenson
  Alan Lewis
  Alan Morrison

REFEREES & ASSESSORS

• Michael Ricketts JP – Chairman
  Garfield Fuller
  Peter Prendergast OD
  Dave Meikle
  Ricardo Morgan

COMPETITIONS & REGULATIONS

• Raymond Anderson – Chairman
  Gregory Daley
  Tamara Lawrence
  Ewan Scott
  Norman Blair

SECURITY & INTEGRITY

• Robert Finzi Smith – Chairman
  Sheridan Samuels
  Carlton Dennis
  James Pearson
  Gregory Palmer

MEDICAL

• Dr. Guyan Arscott
  Dr. Derrick McDowell
  Dr. Ivor O’Connor
  Lennox Wallace

WOMEN’S

• Elaine Walker-Brown – Chairman
  Dalton Wint
  Donald Beckford
  Marlene Brown
  Jacqueline Cowan

FUTSAL & BEACH

• Patrick Malcolm – Chairman
  Everton Tomlinson
  Donald Lyew
  Carlton Dennis
  Deloris Williamson

MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Wayne Thompson – Chairman
  Elvis Jenkins
  Alan Lewis

AUDIT & COMPLIANCE

• Michelle McIntosh – Chairman
  Ricardo Valentine
  Wayne Shaw

Judicial Committees


DISCIPLINARY

• David Watt – Chairman
  Jacqueline Cowan
  Dean Panton
  Calvin Baker

APPEALS

• Mjr. Gen. John Simmonds – Chairman
  Lincoln Sutherland
  Dr. Winston Dawes

]]>

• Linnel McLean JP – Chairman
  Bruce Gaynor
  Carvel Stewart
  Andre Virtue

FINANCE

• Garfield Sinclair – Chairman
  Peter Reid
  Stewart Stephenson
  Alan Lewis
  Alan Morrison

REFEREES & ASSESSORS

• Michael Ricketts JP – Chairman
  Garfield Fuller
  Peter Prendergast OD
  Dave Meikle
  Ricardo Morgan

COMPETITIONS & REGULATIONS

• Raymond Anderson – Chairman
  Gregory Daley
  Tamara Lawrence
  Ewan Scott
  Norman Blair

SECURITY & INTEGRITY

• Robert Finzi Smith – Chairman
  Sheridan Samuels
  Carlton Dennis
  James Pearson
  Gregory Palmer

MEDICAL

• Dr. Guyan Arscott
  Dr. Derrick McDowell
  Dr. Ivor O’Connor
  Lennox Wallace

WOMEN’S

• Elaine Walker-Brown – Chairman
  Dalton Wint
  Donald Beckford
  Marlene Brown
  Jacqueline Cowan

FUTSAL & BEACH

• Patrick Malcolm – Chairman
  Everton Tomlinson
  Donald Lyew
  Carlton Dennis
  Deloris Williamson

MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Wayne Thompson – Chairman
  Elvis Jenkins
  Alan Lewis

AUDIT & COMPLIANCE

• Michelle McIntosh – Chairman
  Ricardo Valentine
  Wayne Shaw

Judicial Committees


DISCIPLINARY

• David Watt – Chairman
  Jacqueline Cowan
  Dean Panton
  Calvin Baker

APPEALS

• Mjr. Gen. John Simmonds – Chairman
  Lincoln Sutherland
  Dr. Winston Dawes

]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-4.html Sun, 24 Jul 2016 20:48:31 +0100 bigballer13]]> https://www.footballjamaica.com/labrish/thread-4.html
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) wishes to advise the football fraternity and the general public that Captain Horace Burrell, President of the JFF, has taken ill in the United States over the past weekend. As a result, Captain Burrell is currently undergoing a series of medical tests.

Captain Burrell has requested privacy, patience and understanding during this time. Further, he wishes to thank all his colleagues for the unqualified support and well wishes. He is confident he will return in short order to continue his service to the football fraternity.

In the meantime, the Vice – Presidents of the JFF along with the General Secretariat will continue to oversee the day to day governance and administration of the sport.]]>
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) wishes to advise the football fraternity and the general public that Captain Horace Burrell, President of the JFF, has taken ill in the United States over the past weekend. As a result, Captain Burrell is currently undergoing a series of medical tests.

Captain Burrell has requested privacy, patience and understanding during this time. Further, he wishes to thank all his colleagues for the unqualified support and well wishes. He is confident he will return in short order to continue his service to the football fraternity.

In the meantime, the Vice – Presidents of the JFF along with the General Secretariat will continue to oversee the day to day governance and administration of the sport.]]>