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JPL clubs welcome Gov’t funds
February 08, 2022
Molynes United president, Herman Cruickshank, and Harbour View general manager, Clyde Jureidini, said the recent government allocation of $10.8 million to assist Jamaica Premier League (JPL) clubs continues to be a very important contribution, especially in these difficult economic times.
Cruickshank hopes the annual disbursement will even improve over time but for now he said the contribution is a big help, especially to smaller clubs like his.
"It (funding) can never be too much. It is always good to have additional funds to help the process. I have written and told her (Minister of Sports Olivia Grange) thanks because it helps," he said.
"Hopefully, it can get better as we go along. But on the behalf of our club it is a welcome gesture. We do not have big sponsors so we welcome and appreciate it a lot.
"It's a guaranteed cheque for all the clubs to assist with their operations. This is not a joint venture with Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL). It is the Government's personal contribution to premier league clubs," he commented.
Jureidini agreed that the $150,000 they will receive each month over the course of the season will provide valuable assistance and commended the Government for their commitment to supporting the clubs in this way.
"We are thankful and grateful. The ministry of sports through the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) has been distributing, contributing and assisting with financial development of sports and the sport of football, since Mr Seaga took the leadership of the Premier League Clubs Association and that has consistently held with the running of the premier league and the former under-21 league.
"This will be added to what we get from the PFJL. So it's a great gesture. We are thankful. Hopefully, it will continue because there is so much more to be done," he added.
Sports Minister Grange, who made the announcement last week, said in a release that the commitment to the league is essential to nation building.
"I would like to reassure the sports sector that we continue to put our money where our mouth is in supporting the various sporting organisations.
"Sports is about wellness, social intervention, recreation and business. It plays a vital role in the economy and in nation-building." she said.
The clubs were due $100,000 for their January payment. They will then get $200,000 for their February, and for the remainder of the league they will receive $150,000 a month.
The SDF will be responsible for disbursing the funds to the clubs.
Grange added that the league's governing body, the PFJL, will also benefit from similar government contributions to assist with administration.
"I wish the clubs and the PFJL a successful season and hope that their situation will be improved by this donation," she said.
