‘Sickening’
JFF, school, club, community in mourning over Omar Laing murder
Published:Sunday | April 24, 2022 | 12:09 AMDaniel Wheeler - Staff Reporter
THE LOCAL football fraternity is still coming to grips with the tragic passing of youth player Omar Laing, who was killed on Friday in west Kington.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force Corporate Communications Unit confirmed Laing as one of the casualties in a drive-by shooting on Friday. The Gleaner understands that Laing was celebrating his 18th birthday when he was fired upon. Two others were also shot in the incident.
Laing, who played for St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) as well as reigning Jamaica Premier League champions, Cavalier, had competed in the recently concluded 2021-22 ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup season, finishing as the top goalscorer for his school and was in the Cavalier set-up.
Cavalier technical director Rudolph ` said Laing had impressed in training and was due to travel with the team to the 2022 Caribbean Club Championship which begins next month in the Dominican Republic.
“He was somebody that we just started working with and we liked what we saw. He was a good youth. We liked him. He liked his new teammates,” Speid said.
The loss has been felt more so by the STATHS community.
IDEAL STATHS STUDENT
The school, through its official Instagram page for the football team, paid tribute to Laing, describing him as an example of the ideal STATHS student.
“The football team, the family, the students, the teachers, the school body and, by extension, the community are in mourning at this time. We cannot process this and it’s hard to digest. Omar was an exemplary player who played his heart out for his team. A true maroon warrior as his talent never stopped there,” the post read.
“He was then selected to play for Cavalier FC and that was a joy for him and was also a prospect in representing his country in the Under-19 competition. His dream was cut short on his birthday. A humble soul but a true maroon warrior.”
Jamaica Football Federation president Michael Ricketts added his condolences describing his death as “heartbreaking”.
“Every life lost in such condition is sickening, but it is especially heartbreaking when it is someone so young and promising,” Ricketts said.
“Sincere condolences to his family, friends, school and club. We weep with you. We hope that the authorities will be able to quickly bring the criminals to justice.”