Still no date for rescheduled Ebanks, Barnes benefit games
Published:Wednesday | July 5, 2023 | 12:40 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
MORE THAN a week after security concerns forced the postponement of a benefit match for outstanding former national players and local favourites Dennis ‘Stylo’ Ebanks and Fitzroy ‘Bucky Barnes’ Jackson at the Spanish Town Prison Oval, there is still no answer about when the event can be held.
The game, which is being put on by the Kingston and St Andrew Masters’ League Association (KSAMLA) in collaboration with the St Catherine FA, and the players’ alma maters, St Jago and Camperdown high schools, is geared at raising funds to assist the players who find themselves in dire circumstances.
Ebanks, St Jago’s most recognised footballer, was recently featured on a television programme, which highlighted the desperate conditions under which he was living with his mother.
While Barnes, a Camperdown standout in the late1980s to early 90s, has been in and out of rehabilitation surrounding substance abuse issues.
Loxley Tulloch, vice president of KSAMLA, noted that the intention is to host the game at the Prison Oval, because that is where they are guaranteed the biggest spectator support.
However, he insists that if they do not get the go ahead very soon, they will look at an alternate venue.
“It has been postponed to a later date to be determined. One of the reasons being the ideal venue would have been in Spanish Town by the Prison Oval. However, due to violence, the authorities say we cannot host the game right now.
“We were looking at other possibilities like Emmett Park and such. But Spanish Town is where we would get the majority of the support, and the whole point of a benefit match is to raise as much funds as possible. So the main thing is to try and have the game where people can come out and support and the proceeds go towards the two gentlemen,” he said.
Although the date of the event is up in the air, Tulloch insists it is going to happen.
“It was originally slated for Sunday gone, but as soon as things settles down, we will pick it up back and if we are finding that it is taking a while then we will probably try to do it elsewhere. So it is going to happen. It’s not a matter of if but when,” Tulloch told The Gleaner.
KSAMLA is working in conjunction with the St Catherine FA and the two schools to keep the wheels turning, and Tulloch said the intention is to actually create a fund, which will be administered by KSAMLA, to assist other former players who have fallen on hard times.
The organisation also made significant strides in helping Ebanks get proper housing.
“There was a signing ceremony recently attended by the St Catherine FA, his (Ebanks’) mother, the Master’s League and the housing corporation. So we have taken significant steps to assist ‘stylo’.
“When it came to our attention of the conditions in which he and his mother were living in, through the efforts of the league we obtained a plot of land in Spanish Villa. The next step, which has been arranged, is to get a Food For The Poor house, and we will be reaching out to the public to assist in furnishing it and such,” said Tulloch.
However, they are still looking into the assistance they will be providing for Jackson.
“The thought process is similar. It’s not as clear as yet but certainly at least to get some funds to alleviate his most pressing concerns. His challenge is a bit different (from Ebanks’). So it’s being looked at to see how best we can assist him,” he stated.
The event is expected to feature two star-filled games, with a St Jago Masters taking on a Camperdown Masters. While the feature will see KSAMLA team up against a St Catherine Masters invitational team.
“Any date I tell you now will be speculation because it is really down to the security question. But we are working with the stakeholders to try and sort that out.
“Our (KSAMLA) president, Andrew Adams, is based in Spanish Town and he is at the heart of it. The initiative is his and he is very committed to this effort.”