CONCACAF, Jamaica gov’t hail late Burrell’s legacy

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Continental governing body, CONCACAF, has led an outpouring of tributes for Jamaica Football Federation president, Captain Horace Burrell, who passed away in the United States on Tuesday.
Jamaican Burrell, a seminal figure in regional football, served as a senior vice-president on the CONCACAF executive and also sat on the disciplinary committee of football’s world governing body, FIFA.
“Captain Burrell’s commitment and vision for the sport contributed to create a strong legacy for the game within the region,” a statement from the Miami-headquartered organisation said.
“With his passion and spirit, he was a tireless supporter of his country’s football development.”
CONCACAF governs football in North, Central America and the Caribbean.
Cricket West Indies also hailed Captain Burrell’s contribution to sports development across the region, noting he had left a strong legacy.
“Jamaica’s football made an indelible mark on the world in 1998 – Captain Burrell and his team led that journey,” CWI president, Dave Cameron, said in a statement.
“We acknowledge his tremendous efforts to develop and grow the sport, not just in Jamaica, but in the Caribbean region. He stayed close to cricket and always had tips to share. His contribution will always be remembered.”
The Jamaica government also paid tribute to Burrell, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness describing the national sporting icon, businessman and philanthropist, as a loss to many communities throughout the island.
“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,” Holness said.
“He was dedicated in ensuring Jamaica realized that dream of being in the World Cup finals with the Reggae Boyz in 1998.”
At the time of his death Captain Burrell remained active in his companies as chief executive officer and founder of both Captain’s Bakery and Captain’s Aviation Service.
Captain Burrell received Jamaica’s fourth highest national honour, the Commander of the Order of Distinction (CD) in 1998. He also received the highest award, Order of Merit, from the world football governing body, FIFA.