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Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Dear Editor,
I write to comment on Captain Horace Burrell's recent return to the presidency of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).
The issue of conflict of interest has been in the public domain recently, following several government appointments. Captain Burrell's return to the presidency also brings to light this very important issue.
As is widely known, his company - Captain's Bakery - is the main sponsor of the top competition in at least six parish football associations. The voting delegates of the JFF are, for the most part, representatives of the various parish associations.
In a time when funding is hard to come by, is it far-fetched that Captain Burrell's commercial arrangements, which sponsorships are, could serve to wield a huge influence over delegates?
I am not questioning Burrell's commitment to football or what he has done for the sport, neither am I questioning his leadership ability, but this arrangement with a substantial bloc of the JFF's voting population, which may be called on to ratify his decisions, needs to be examined; especially since I am sure that the JFF will be depending on the public purse for assistance as they look to achieve their objectives.
I know I may be raising a very unpopular issue, but this is a clear conflict of interest.
David Edwards
Ft Lauderdale
USA
Dear Editor,
I write to comment on Captain Horace Burrell's recent return to the presidency of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).
The issue of conflict of interest has been in the public domain recently, following several government appointments. Captain Burrell's return to the presidency also brings to light this very important issue.
As is widely known, his company - Captain's Bakery - is the main sponsor of the top competition in at least six parish football associations. The voting delegates of the JFF are, for the most part, representatives of the various parish associations.
In a time when funding is hard to come by, is it far-fetched that Captain Burrell's commercial arrangements, which sponsorships are, could serve to wield a huge influence over delegates?
I am not questioning Burrell's commitment to football or what he has done for the sport, neither am I questioning his leadership ability, but this arrangement with a substantial bloc of the JFF's voting population, which may be called on to ratify his decisions, needs to be examined; especially since I am sure that the JFF will be depending on the public purse for assistance as they look to achieve their objectives.
I know I may be raising a very unpopular issue, but this is a clear conflict of interest.
David Edwards
Ft Lauderdale
USA
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