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Unlucky Girlz! Duo barred from C'Rica ahead of qualifier
Blaine eyes replacement for Canada game
BY SEAN A WILLIAMS Assistant Sport Editor
Thursday, March 11, 2010
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Bad luck continues to mar Jamaica's Under-17 women's team to the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying tournament even before a ball has been kicked.
The Jamaicans are set to begin their qualifying series this afternoon against Group A rivals Canada at the Morera Soto Stadium here at 7:30 pm (8:30 pm local time) and will have a light training session this morning, with the emphasis on tactical details.
Jamaica’s Under-17 Reggae Girlz gather shortly after arriving in San Jose, Costa Rica, yesterday afternoon.
Jamaica’s Under-17 Reggae Girlz gather shortly after arriving in San Jose, Costa Rica, yesterday afternoon. (Photo: Sean Williams)
Yesterday, two of the players -- midfielder Shantel Bailey and defender Shanice Bowen -- were prevented from connecting with teammates from Miami to San Jose following a visa technicality.
The players were told by American Airport staff they could not allow them to board flight AA 937 because their three-month US visas did not conform to Costa Rican entry requirements.
It is understand that without a Costa Rica visas, travellers who are not eligible for visa-waiver status are required to have valid US visas for 90 days or more at the time of landing in the Central American country.
Bailey's and Bowen's visas, while valid in a true sense, did not meet the time required for landing privileges in Costa Rica. Airline officials therefore refused to check in the pair as they feared sanctions for allowing them to board.
Up to late last evening, Jamaica consulate officials in Miami were vigorously trying to work with those involved to find a favourable resolution to the situation, but with every passing hour, hope faded.
But the Observer has learnt that a high-ranking official of the Costa Rica football association had intervened in the matter and was said to have received assurances from immigration officials here that if the players got to Costa Rica, they would be granted local visas and admitted.
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Girls-One_7477678
Is it just me or do these visa incidents happen too frequently for Jamaican sports men and women.
Shouldn't the government be backing our athletes and the unfair treatment they receive from foreign consuls and immigration officials instead of defending criminals.
Blaine eyes replacement for Canada game
BY SEAN A WILLIAMS Assistant Sport Editor
Thursday, March 11, 2010
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Bad luck continues to mar Jamaica's Under-17 women's team to the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying tournament even before a ball has been kicked.
The Jamaicans are set to begin their qualifying series this afternoon against Group A rivals Canada at the Morera Soto Stadium here at 7:30 pm (8:30 pm local time) and will have a light training session this morning, with the emphasis on tactical details.
Jamaica’s Under-17 Reggae Girlz gather shortly after arriving in San Jose, Costa Rica, yesterday afternoon.
Jamaica’s Under-17 Reggae Girlz gather shortly after arriving in San Jose, Costa Rica, yesterday afternoon. (Photo: Sean Williams)
The players were told by American Airport staff they could not allow them to board flight AA 937 because their three-month US visas did not conform to Costa Rican entry requirements.
It is understand that without a Costa Rica visas, travellers who are not eligible for visa-waiver status are required to have valid US visas for 90 days or more at the time of landing in the Central American country.
Bailey's and Bowen's visas, while valid in a true sense, did not meet the time required for landing privileges in Costa Rica. Airline officials therefore refused to check in the pair as they feared sanctions for allowing them to board.
Up to late last evening, Jamaica consulate officials in Miami were vigorously trying to work with those involved to find a favourable resolution to the situation, but with every passing hour, hope faded.
But the Observer has learnt that a high-ranking official of the Costa Rica football association had intervened in the matter and was said to have received assurances from immigration officials here that if the players got to Costa Rica, they would be granted local visas and admitted.
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Girls-One_7477678
Is it just me or do these visa incidents happen too frequently for Jamaican sports men and women.
Shouldn't the government be backing our athletes and the unfair treatment they receive from foreign consuls and immigration officials instead of defending criminals.
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