Tributes pour in for Captain Horace Burrell

The nation's political leaders have reacted with shock to the passing of Captain Horace Garfield Burrell.

Burrell, the president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) died Tuesday evening in the United States where he was undergoing medical treatment.

See the comment’s below from the leaders:

Prime Minister Andrew Holness:

The death of Captain Burrell is a loss to many communities throughout the island and will leave a significant gap in the national football programme.

Captain dedicated his life to serving Jamaica. He had a dream that Jamaica could compete with the best of the best in the football field. He was dedicated in ensuring Jamaica realised that dream of being in the World Cup finals with the Reggae Boyz in 1998.

Captain Burrell was one of Jamaica’s finest who was dedicated to his people.

The nation has lost not only a father of our international football reputation but also a man who invested significantly in community development through Captain’s Bakery by sponsoring many leagues throughout the island.

The nation must pause and reflect on the life and great works of Captain Burrell.

READ: Ten things about the late Captain Horace Burrell

Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips:

Jamaica will always remain grateful to Captain Burrell who, as the head of the Jamaica Football Federation, believed in the potential of our national players and took Jamaica’s game to the global playing field.

He said Burrell made a significant contribution to national development through football and the exposure of our players and he will be missed.

He said Burrell made a significant contribution to national development through football and the exposure of our players and he will be missed.

He was certainly a visionary and an inspiration to many. The name 'Reggae Boyz' is remembered because of him.

Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, Minister of Sport:

Captain was a patriot who was fully committed to the development of the sport in Jamaica. He made history in leading Jamaica, the first English speaking Caribbean country to a world cup final.

With Captain Burrell as head of the JFF, Jamaica gained respect on the field of play and in the halls of power within FIFA, CONCACAF and even within the global Olympic movement where he served as Vice President of the Jamaica Olympic Association. Football in Jamaica has lost a cornerstone of the sport, a man who was unwavering in his commitment.

IN PHOTO: Burrell poses with a cake for Sports Minister Olivia Grange

The country owes Captain Burrell a huge debt of gratitude for his work and his legacy will forever influence Jamaica’s football.