Dear Editor,

The pride of a nation lies in its strength of character and sovereignty. One typically exudes an aura of honour and privilege when called upon to serve one’s country. There is no greater feeling than to assume a role, however minuscule, to lobby for the advancement and welfare of your country.

For decades, Jamaican coaches and sporting officials have sought to play a redundant game of chess which more times than less often results in utter failure. This marriage of convenience between the national football team and Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) must resolve to retire this archaic contract as it wreaks sheer havoc on the development of this simply glorious and unifying game which transcends all borders.

The disgrace the management of the JFF has been subjected to over the years by foreign-based players and their management teams must come to an immediate end. It begs the question: Is artful contrivances being executed in the selection of our national team?

Jamaica is beyond blessed with talented players who would be humbled to serve this great nation, whose disposition is steeped in an unforgiving reverence for the sport and an intense desire to ensure a win is realised despite the persistent odds. We must awake from our slumber and desist from stooping at the feet of entities that wilfully assume a cloak of profound superficiality.

Football officials are to divorce the stigma that there is lack in skills surrounding the game. We are game-changers. Let’s be decisive and invest in the seeds we have sown.

Tara Henry

henry.tara42@gmail.com