Ricketts hails Ian Forbes
JFF boss says people like Sherwin Williams’ former managing director and Elaine Walker-Brown were among the pioneers of women’s football
Published:Tuesday | January 16, 2024 | 12:10 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts hailed the contribution of Sherwin Williams’ former managing director, Ian Forbes, calling him a pioneer of local women’s football, at a repainting and refurbishing exercise, sponsored by Sherwin Williams, for the UWI/Captain Horace Burrell Centre of Excellence, last Friday.
Ricketts expressed his joy in having the long-time paint giants’ support, and pointed out that their relationship goes back to over two decades when Forbes spearheaded the sponsorship of the local women’s league and knockout competitions, which lasted for 14 years until the relationship ended in 2015.
The Sherwin Williams sponsorship laid the foundation for what local women’s football eventually mushroomed into, as it allowed many girls to continue their development after leaving high school, and provided a base for national teams selection, which were made up of largely locally born and bred players back then.
The league also gave players a second opportunity at scholarships, if they missed out while in high school, and Ricketts said Forbes’ input should be recognised.
“Sherwin Williams would have made an indelible mark on women’s football. Over two decades ago when Mr Ian Forbes (the current Custos of St Andrew) came on board, the company from then would have made an indelible mark on us as administrators and on women’s football.
“What we have achieved now, having qualified for two consecutive World Cups, is certainly based on Sherwin Williams’ investment years ago.
“This is no ordinary contribution. So, I want to say thanks to Sherwin Williams and just remind Jamaica that people like Ian Forbes and Elaine Walker-Brown were the pioneers.
“So Mr Forbes, wherever you are, I hope this message reaches you. You are one of the pioneers of Jamaica’s women’s football and you must take a lot of the praise and the glory for where women’s football is right now,” he said.
He said they intend to qualify for more World Cups and that Sherwin Williams will get their benefits for their association with the federation.
“Sherwin Williams, who would have probably been our longest partner, and have sustained this relationship over decades, we want to ensure that our partners do get their pound of flesh and I am very excited what will unfold down the road. So there will be more glory for Sherwin Williams and for women’s football,” he stated.
He added the well-needed face-lift to the UWI-JFF Captain Horace Burrell Centre of Excellence will give the settings a more serene and patriotic feel.
“Once you walk in, you will know that you are in a Jamaican environment. This (colours) certainly represent our country.”
Sherwin Williams District Manager Kenneth Richardson said their efforts on Friday were more than just a paint job.
“Sponsoring the Jamaica Football Federation has been really good for Sherwin Williams. We pride ourselves on supporting Jamaica.
“But, at the end of the day, this is about developing lives. This is not just about a building that is nicely painted. It is about us, Sherwin Williams, taking our time to help develop lives, and part of that is giving you the full colours, so when people come in this environment they will feel relaxed,” he said.