JFF, PFA remember Perry fondly
Published:Monday | May 25, 2020 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
FORMER JAMAICA Football Federation (JFF) and Portland Football Association (PFA) President Hugh Perry passed away at the University Hospital of the West Indies on Sunday morning after a brief illness.
Perry, who served at president of the JFF from 1981-83, was head of the federation when the National Premier League changed its format in 1982. This was also the year when a polio outbreak forced the cancellation of not only the league, but sports across the nation as a whole.
JFF President Michael Ricketts says Perry was an important servant to Jamaica.
“Mr Perry’s life epitomised service to the country at a exceptional level as he contributed to civil society; education; community life; corporate Jamaica and a number of sports. A true life of service and commitment,” he said.
“ The JFF shares in the mourning of the football and indeed sporting community of Portland and wishes his family and close friends positive reflections and memories.”
PFA President Raymond Grant says Perry, who was also involved in cricket, was still a household name in the parish because of his contribution to sports since the 1970s.
“First, I must extend condolences on behalf of the Portland Football Association to the family, and the football fraternity of Portland, on the passing of Mr Hugh Perry,” Grant said.
“Mr Perry served as president of the Portland Football Association for many years and later as president of the Jamaica Football Federation in the early 1980s, and while he was president of Portland football, he led the development in the parish and the advancement of some teams (Taurus and St George’s) to the Premier League at the time.
“In my first year as president, the association honoured him for his long service to football and we recognised everything he contributed.
“Mr Perry is a loss to the sport. He is one who gave great attention to detail and was very keen to attend to issues that confront him. His passing leaves a void in the sporting fraternity of Portland. May his soul rest in peace, and we will give whatever support we can, as the leadership of football in the parish, towards Mr Perry’s family.”
Perry was 80 years old.