THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WILL not join the bandwagon of those who suddenly think it is time for a change in the presidency of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF). That the JFF presidency is of such national importance is one of the consequences of the outrageous success of the outgoing president Horace Burrell.
'The Captain' took our football programme in four years to a level that none had ever set before and few had even thought possible, despite how many now claim differently. When Horace Burrell spoke of aiming to qualify Jamaica for the World Cup in 1998 his dream was the source of amusement at best, and ignored at worst. The depths to which our football had sunk and the heights to which he has taken it, is the stuff of legends.
That match against Mexico qualifying us in the National Stadium was the single, most unifying and proud moment this country has had in my lifetime of 40 years. For one brief moment this country was united. World class and world beaters (drawing with the mighty Brazil), we were the toast of France and the international football community.
Captain, from 'backing off' your jacket to physically protect your 'Boyz' in Mexico, to representing your federation with class, charisma and presence, you exemplified Rudyard Kipling's 'IF'.
Horace Burrell's achievements are Herculean in this country of short-sighted pygmies, where hard work and achievement are treated with cynicism, envy and accusations of dishonesty. Burrell's achievements are an inspiration to us all. No honour is too high and no accolade too great for one whose personal dream became a national success.
Your success have been handed a vibrant machinery built from nothing. Mr. Boxhill as you sit so comfortably in that chair made available by the achievements of the previous administration, don't get too comfortable. We will be watching your progress and the progress of this new administration very closely... Your predecessor has raised our expectations very high.
I am etc.,
DAVID B.G. MINOTT, LL.B.
Retirement Road,
Kingston 5
