Western Bureau

It has come to my attention that individuals with ties to the St James FA are currently trying to mobilise teams involved in the St James Guardian Life Division Two league, to stage a demonstration against me because of a recent article I wrote criticising the structure of the competition.

Based on the information that has come to me, the individuals have been quite busy arranging meetings with teams and trying to convince them that I am on a dual mission of trying to create enmity between the board and sponsors, especially Guardian Life, basically trying to destroy the parish's football.

When I first heard about the demonstration plot I initially dismissed it. However, after additional consideration and realising the damage unchallenged falsehood could cause, I have decided to clear the air.

I have made no bones about the fact that I believe, based on limited talent in St James at this time, there is absolutely no need for the parish to have more than two senior competitions in the Hart & Son Senior League and the Sandals Division One. I believe the Division Two competition should feature Under-19 teams, operating as a nursery for the senior teams.

pro corner league

Personally, I have nothing against recreational football. In fact, during my tenure on the board, I was one of the persons who campaigned vigorously for the FA to give official sanction to corner leagues. However, I believe there should be a clear line of demarcation between recreational football, which should be for fun, and structured football, which should be for development.

For anyone to imply that I don't have the best interest of football at heart would be a scandalous assertion at best. While I have never sponsored a competition in my two decades-plus in football, I have never pocketed a cent in my years as a referee, as what I earned went straight into the account of the community team I supported.

In terms of serving the national programme, former national coaches Wendell Downswell and Carl Brown can attest to the fact that, despite not being an official scout, over the years I have made numerous calls to them recommending players from the west for consideration on the various national teams. I have never once missed an opportunity to put in a good word for a St James player.

defied government

When the government once closed down Jarrett Park for almost a year, leaving our players with nowhere to play, I was one of the persons, along with Alvin Clarke and Steve Bucknor, who openly defied the St James Parish Council and, under threat of being arrested, threw open the gates of the park, and with the help of football fans, prepared and marked the playing surface and offered it to the JFF for an NPL semi-final game.

Just last year, I organised the Gleaner Editors' Forum right here in Montego Bay, creating the scope for various leaders in the four parishes to meet and look at our football, with a view to fixing the problems plaguing the region.

The forum, which was the first such meeting of football leaders in the west for over 15 years, was openly praised by JFF boss, Captain Horace Burrell, as a positive initiative.

As one who served as a sports master at St James High School for more than 20 years, coupled with my service as a referee and board member, I know that I have paid by dues. So no amount of demonstration or threats about demonstration will shut me up, I will forever speak my mind.

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