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Grange: Capt Burrell was awesome

Published:Tuesday | June 27, 2017 | 12:00 AMMarc Stamp
Contributed
“Rest well, we will miss you. Jamaica will miss you, but your legacy will remain etched in our minds forever,” were the words written by Minister of Culture, Gender Affairs, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, in the Book of Condolence opened at the National Arena as viewing of the body of the late President of the Jamaica Football Federation Captain Horace Burrell took place yesterday.

Sports minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange was among the many persons who attended the public viewing of the body of the late Jamaica Football Federation president Captain Horace Burrell at the National Arena yesterday.

Captain Burrell, a retired army officer, died on June 6.

After taking a look at the body of Burrell and signing the Book of Condolence, Grange described the man whose vision of Jamaica playing in the World Cup Finals became a reality in 1998, as "awesome".

"He was awesome, a person who you could not ignore. He will be missed," Grange said.

Executive director of Special Olympics of Jamaica Lorna Bell said it is a sad day.

"It is a sad day for me to see another sports administrator depart. He has done so much. Captain was someone who I loved. He supported me when my husband (Winthorpe 'Jackie' Bell) died in 1986, so I am here to give my support," Bell disclosed.

Craig Butler, who will be in the race for the post left vacant by the passing of Captain Burrell, said that the former JFF president inspired him to return to football.

 

Continuing his work

 

"He (Captain Burrell) inspired me back into football. I have never had any problem with Captain Burrell. It was his love for the sport that brought me back. We have to continue his work. His mission was to see Jamaica dominate world football," Butler said.

Butler's son, Leon Bailey of German Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen, said he had to pay his respect to the great man.

"I am on vacation and will be leaving tomorrow so I have to show my respect today. He was a good man, dedicated to the country's football development," the -19 year-old Bailey said.

Palmeca Fuller wore her national colours and said she could not miss the viewing.

"I am a Reggae Boyz supporter to the 'max' for many years. I miss Captain Burell as he was a dedicated person. He had the feeling that Jamaica would make it to another FIFA World Cup again. I hope that whoever comes in will continue that vision," the 64 year-old Fuller said.

'I had to take time out to see him today. I wanted to look at the great man for the last time," she added.

The thanksgiving service for the life of Captain Burrell will take place today at the National Arena. There will be an entertainment programme starting at 10 a.m. to be immediately followed by a thanksgiving service. The interment will be private.