Celebration match proposed for Jack Warner election success

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

May 26 – A match between Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica has been proposed to celebrate the re-election of FIFA Executive Committee member Jack Warner (pictured) as an MP in his country’s General Election, which saw a coalition of opposition parties, including Warner’s United National Congress (UNC), sweep to power.

Warner was an influential part of of the People’s Partnership in securing a victory over the People’s National Movement (PNM), leading to Kamla Persad-Bissessar becoming Trinidad and Tobago’s first female Prime Minister.

Warner, who retained his seat as MP for Chaguanas West, had taken a backseat from his roles in football during the General Election but is now set to resume his position as potentially an influential voice in deciding which countries are chosen on December 2 to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Warner is also the President of CONCACAF.

Captain Horace Burrell, the President of the Jamaican Football Federation (JFF), suggested a friendly match between the two countries – the only Caribbean nations ever to reach the finals of the World Cup – as a celebration of Warner’s re-election and also to highlight efforts to eradicate crime.

Burrell said: ”I think from a sporting point of view, one of the first things I will like to recommend is a very big football match between TT and Jamaica to mark what has occurred with Warner’s involvement in the success at the elections.

“And more so, in light of what is going on currently in Jamaica, I think this will give the whole region and the country [Jamaica] the kind of lift it needs in putting back many things on track.”

Fighting between military and drugs gangs has left 60 people dead in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital.

Burrell said: ”Right now the level of violence in Jamaica has flared up to one of the biggest we have seen in our history and something like a football game, a kick against crime and violence, will play a very important part in bringing some sort of solace to the madness that is currently taking place.”

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