KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Hundreds of well-wishers turned out to celebrate the life and legacy of late Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President, Captain Horace Burrell, at the thanksgiving service held on today at the National Stadium in Kingston.

Among those in attendance were Their Excellencies, Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen; Prime Minister Andrew Holness who read a bible lesson; Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange; Opposition Leader, Dr Peter Phillips; former Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller; members of the diplomatic corps, the sports community and Burrell’s family and friends.

The four-hour service included musical interludes and tributes by family members, close friends, Ministers of Government, Members of Parliament and visiting officials from the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA); Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).

Grange, in her tribute, said Captain Burrell has set the foundation for the development of modern football in Jamaica.

He is credited as being the chief architect of Jamaica’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup in France in 1998 during his tenure as President of the JFF between 1994 and 2013, making Jamaica the first English-speaking Caribbean country to qualify for the international event.

“He was destined to take Jamaica’s football to great heights, creating history in the process. The successful 1998 World Cup Campaign tells the story of Horace Garfield Burrell… He was the kind of man that saw the challenge and opportunity and decided to take on both. Jamaica, the Caribbean and the world have lost a man who had the knack of converting the impossible dream into reality” she said.

Former National Football Coach, Rene Simoes described Captain Burrell, whom he called his friend as “a charismatic man” with an indomitable spirit.

“We are here to celebrate the life and accomplishments of a remarkable football man, acknowledge his accomplishments and years of service to the game. The football family thanks Captain for his extraordinary passion for the sport and his tremendous work to capture fans’ hearts and discover new talent,” he said.

In recounting the numerous accomplishments of Burrell, Vice President of the JFF, Bruce Gaynor, said he was accorded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican Government, as well as other honours from other regional entities for his outstanding contribution to the development of football.

Born on February 8, 1950 in May Pen, Clarendon, Captain Horace Burrell is well known for his keen business acumen in his management of The Captain’s Bakery and Grill in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and The Captain’s Aviation Services which he founded in 1995 and 2008, respectively.

The former military man had a passion for football, which led him to participate in several local and international sporting bodies.

Captain Burrell died on June 6 after a period of illness.

He leaves behind daughter, Dr Tiphani Burrell-Piggot and sons Romario and Jaeden Burrell and other family and friends.