St Catherine Football Association elects first woman president

Walker-Brown, who is chairman of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) women’s football committee, defeated Ricardo Valentine 41-39 at the FA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Arian’s Restaurant, Spanish Town, yesterday. Two of the 82 ballots cast were spoiled, as Walker-Brown became only the third woman to lead a local football association in Jamaica, joining Lorraine Scringer (Hanover FA) and Marlene Brown (Trelawny FA).

“I didn’t doubt myself and the team, but we know that we had to work extremely hard for the victory, which we are all happy that we have been able to achieve together,” said Walker-Brown, a veteran sport administrator with more than 30 years’ experience.

Walker-Brown, who is also a senior sport officer at the state-run Institute of Sports, added: “The real work, however, has just begun and we will now hit the ground running by meeting with all stakeholders and to immediately set about achieving the objectives outlined in our manifesto.”

In her team’s manifesto, the 57-year-old administrator stated that football in the parish has been struggling for some time now and has highlighted severe weaknesses in funding and finance, governance, administration, infrastructure and development as crucial areas of concern that need resolving.

“One of the main issue we must address is our governance structure within these clubs, because most of the clubs are not aware how this work and benefit their clubs,” she told Old Harbour News. “We have to look at the constitution in detail and see whatever changes might be necessary to improve how we operate as an association.”

With Walker-Brown taking the top job, Valentine’s team withdrew en bloc, thus paving the way for the new president to have a free hand unencumbered.

Walker-Brown slate is completed by Curven Whyte, first vice-president; Ventley Brown, second vice-president; Sophia Smith, general secretary; Raymond Brown, treasurer; and Patrick Dunkley, who will act in a dual role of assistant secretary and  assistant treasurer.

Meantime, former vice-president Valentine, who received public backing from outgoing president Peter Reid, said he respects the wishes of the delegates.

“I’m obviously disappointed but the delegates have decided that the team led by Walker-Brown is the team that they want to lead them in the next four years,” Valentine said. “We accept the wishes of the delegates and wish Walker-Brown and her team all the best.”