Mother of fallen 'baller gets some relief

Saturday, November 21, 2009 8:35 PM

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Tuesday, November 03, 2009

A bereaved Pauline Barrett, the mother of Tivoli Gardens footballer Oraine Simpson, was able to squeeze a smile recently when the West Kingston-based club announced it would pick up the tab associated with the player's funeral expenses.

BARRETT... I am trying my best to cope

"I was contacted by Dawn Spence (club official) on behalf of Mr (Edward) Seaga and was told to hand over the invoice from the funeral parlour and burial order today (October 27) and I did it," said a relieved Barrett.

A fledgling but promising national player, Simpson is scheduled to be buried on November 15 and with him an abundance talent.

Simpson, who was 26 years old, was stabbed in a dispute with a man whom he shared the same tenement yard with in the tough West Kingston enclave on October 13.

Barrett, who is still finding it hard to come to terms with her son's tragic passing, said it is broad-based support from the Tivoli Gardens FC family that has kept her going.

"The manager (Brian Rose) and his (Oraine's) team members don't leave me out. Some players from Boys' Town and a Harbour View player also come and look for me," she said.

"I'm trying my best (to cope). Mi can't forget Oraine; at first I couldn't eat or sleep... mi cry every minute," said Barrett, her voice cracking up.

She also singled out the outpouring of support from the club's president, Seaga, a former prime minister of Jamaica and member of parliament for the West Kingston constituency.

Meanwhile, team manager Rose noted that though a pall of gloom hangs over the club and players, their will to defend the DPL title in Simpson's honour remains steely.

"It's going to take a while to recover from this, (but) they (players) seem focused in training and they are committed that the rest of the season is dedicated to Oraine," he said.

And testimony to their resolve to do well for themselves and their fallen comrade, the Tivoli band has marched on by registering two wins and a draw since the Simpson incident.

They defeated previously unbeaten St Georges SC 1-0, Harbour View 3-2 in a rescheduled encounter, and on Sunday played to an exciting 3-3 tie with Rivoli United to stay on top of the league and book their spot in the first end-of-round final.

Simpson will be remembered as a speedy, attacking wide player, whose industry - particularly down either flank - has resulted in many goals for Tivoli.

...FIFA president expresses shock at Simpson's death

FIFA president Joseph S Blatter has written to the JFF expressing "great sadness" at the sudden passing of Tivoli Gardens footballer Oraine Simpson.

In a letter addressed to JFF president Captain Horace Burrell, the FIFA boss said it is difficult to digest that a young player could go in this terrible way.

"It is shocking to learn of this terrible news. It is inconceivable that at such a young age a player has left us," said the Swiss in his letter.

Blatter also extended condolences to the Jamaican football community, the Tivoli Gardens Football Club and Simpson's family.

"On behalf FIFA and the worldwide football community, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to you (Burrell), to everyone at the Jamaica Football Federation, to Tivoli Gardens and, most importantly, to Oraine Simpson's family, friends and loved one," Blatter's message continued.

"Please let them know that the worldwide football community stands by their side. We would hope that in some way, our words of support may help bring a little peace and solace to all," it ended.

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