‘In everything, I leaned on him’

FORMER INTER-SECONDARY Schools Sports Association (ISSA) president, Dr Walton Small, said former competitions officer and close ally George Forbes was the person he leaned on during his 12 years in office, and that his influence on the organisation helped make it what it is today.

Current president Keith Wellington described Forbes’ passing as a great loss and revealed that ISSA will be recognising the former administrator for his contribution.

The 63-year-old Forbes passed away on Tuesday evening after a long illness.

Small said he was personally indebted to Forbes, who guided and supported him as president.

He said Forbes, more than anyone, understood the running of ISSA and his knowledge of sports, sports administration and the fraternity, in general, made him an invaluable asset.

“When I took over ISSA, I was a novice and he stood with me. I felt comfortable having him around because a good leader needs good people, knowledgeable people and he understood the running of ISSA,” he said.

He said Small knew the operations of ISSA inside out. He knew the principals and coaches by name and could even tell you about students.

“For somebody to know that, he must be deeply immersed. So a lot of the credit of where ISSA is today can be put down to him,” he said.

He noted that Forbes was never afraid to say what he thought and had a good sense of what was to come. More than that, Forbes, Small said, knew how to mitigate.

During Small’s reign, Forbes was the face of the organisation, regularly seen in the media speaking on ISSA competitions matters, and Small insisted he was fortunate to have him at his side all the way.

“When I started, I was like a fish out of water and he guided me. Through my entire career, in everything, I leaned on him. Some people saw him as Mr ISSA but why wouldn’t you allow somebody who understands the running to interface with the media.

“He was fully qualified to speak on all issues of competitions. So I really leaned on him and for that I will never forget him.”

Meanwhile, Wellington lamented that the ailing Forbes did not get to enjoy the fruits of his labour after retiring in 2020.

However, he contends that the prosperity of many of our prominent sportsmen and women resulted from his contribution to high school sports.

“This is a great loss, not just to the ISSA family, but to sports in general. I am particularly saddened because after his retirement he never got the chance to just sit and relax and enjoy sports.

“He loved sports and would have contributed a lot on the front line, and many of our sportsmen and women who are successful today it is a result of the work he would have put into organising various competitions for them to participate in,” he stated.

He noted that he worked with Forbes in one capacity or another in his nearly two decades with ISSA and appreciated his competence and passion for sports.

He added that the entire ISSA family was in mourning.

“We have seen a lot of principals and coaches expressing sadness at the loss. Most would not have been aware he was ill but everybody has expressed their condolences and appreciation for the work he would have put in and his contribution to school sports.”

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has also sent condolences to the family and friends of Forbes, saying his commitment to sports administration, particularly football, was praiseworthy.

The JFF described his management as professional and always ‘uncompromising and committed’.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com