Jamaican sporting icon Horace Burrell dies in the US

Jamaicans were recently mourning the death of President of the Jamaica Football Federation, Captain Horace Burrell.

Captain Burrell, 67, a national sporting icon, businessman and philanthropist died at a hospital in the United States after battling the dreaded cancer disease.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the death of Captain Burrell is a loss to many communities throughout the island and will leave a significant gap in the national football program.

He noted that Captain Burrell dedicated his life to serving Jamaica and had a dream that Jamaica could compete with the best of the best in the football field.

He was dedicated in ensuring Jamaica realized that dream of being in the World Cup finals with the Reggae Boyz in l998.

The prime minister said Captain Burrell was one of Jamaica’s finest and dedicated to his people.

Captain Burrell received Jamaica’s fourth highest national honor, the Commander of the Order of Distinction (COD) in l998.

He also received the highest award, Order of Merit from the world football governing body, FIFA.

Known as a strong leader, Burrell a captain in the Jamaica Defense Force rose to prominence with the military team before being elected to the FIFA disciplinary committee in l994.

He was also a prominent figure in regional football holding several positions in the Caribbean Football Union and CONCACAF.666