Former champions Mount Pleasant FA have contributed $250,000 to fellow Jamaica Premier League club Treasure Beach FC “aimed at supporting the club’s recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa”.

The presentation was made on December 18 at Mount Pleasant’s St Ann base and the Caribbean Cup champions say they are reaffirming their “commitment to community and solidarity within Jamaican football”.

Treasure Beach, who were promoted to the Jamaica Premier League for the second time in three years, are one of two teams in the competition based in western Jamaica, in addition to Montego Bay United (MBU). They both suffered significant loss as a result of the hurricane on October 28 that left billions of dollars in damage, mostly across western Jamaica.

Treasure Beach were allowed an additional two weeks to prepare for their return to the competition as a result of the devastation to their base and losses incurred by everyone involved with the team while MBU temporarily moved their training base to Kingston and are playing games at Jarrett Park until the Montego Bay Sports Complex is restored to acceptable standards.

Mount Pleasant owner Peter Gould says the club felt a responsibility to assist a fellow football institution during a difficult period.

“Football is more than competition; it is about community and standing together in times of need,” Gould said. “Treasure Beach FC has been significantly impacted by Hurricane Melissa and we felt it was important for Mount Pleasant FA to offer meaningful support to help them rebuild and move forward. It is a difficult time for the club and the community of Treasure Beach so we felt it was important to help in any way we can.”

Sporting Director Paul Christie echoed those sentiments, noting the importance of unity across clubs.

“The hurricane impacted not just facilities, but people and livelihoods.” he said. “We know how challenging moments like these can be, and we hope this contribution provides some relief as they work to restore their operations and get them back on their feet. We know the power of sports, getting Treasure Beach FC back playing in the Premier League also helps the community because it brings them joy and help to take their minds off what is happening around them even just for 90 minutes.”

Treasure Beach FC President Paul Bernard expressed gratitude.

“On behalf of the Treasure Beach Football Club, I want to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Mount Pleasant and its management and staff, for the support in such a tangible way. At this time when Treasure Beach is at its lowest, both with finance and with morale, because of the recent n Hurricane Melissa and 13 months ago where we were also affected by Hurricane Beryl,” he said “We are very happy at this time to receive this gesture, it will go a far way in assisting us alleviate some of the financial issues that we are presently having.”

— Paul A Reid

GOULD…football is more than competition; it is about community and standing together in times of need (Photo: Paul Reid)