The president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Captain Horace Burrell and the board and staff of the JFF would like to express condolences to the family of the late Bernadette 'Lorraine' Mairs, who passed under tragic circumstances yesterday, at the age of 37.

The former national footballer was shot to death in Montego Bay yesterday.

A JFF release to the media yesterday said: "Mairs belonged to that rare breed of individuals who chart their own course and is a true trendsetter in the game of life. This cultured female footballer was the country's first female semi-professional having played in Finland.

"She was an integral part of Jamaica's pioneer women's team which participated in the first-ever CONCACAF tournament for females, which took place in Haiti in 1991. She represented the country for another 10 years, after which she exited the national stage."

The release added: "At the local club level, she represented Concord, Boogie Girls, Border Patrol, AC Milan, Rae Town, Untouchables and Trelawny, to which she was still attached until the time of her unfortunate passing.

"The passing of a family member stirs the deepest pain and the football family is no exception. We are, therefore, able to empathise with her family and friends who bear the sorrow of her loss. It is hoped that even while we grieve, we are able to celebrate Bernadette Mairs' fearless spirit and willingness to challenge the unknown.

"To her family and friends we say to you from Psalm 30:5: 'Weeping may remain for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning'."