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December 7 restart for JPL a powerful symbol says PFJL CEO Owen Hill
Published:Wednesday | November 12, 2025 | 12:30 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
THE WRAY and Nephew-sponsored Jamaica Premier League (JPL) is set to resume on December 7, following a disruption in fixtures due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
In a press release yesterday, the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) and Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) announced that the league would restart next month.
The PFJL stated that it is important to restart the league following the hurricane as the nation works towards restoring a sense of normalcy.
The release said that following discussions with various stakeholders, the organisation believed that the league could return in a timely manner.
“This decision follows high-level strategic discussions between the Jamaica Football Federation and PFJL, grounded in a shared commitment to national recovery, community upliftment, and the preservation of football as a unifying cultural force,” the release read.
“Both entities aligned on the urgent importance of restarting the league in a manner that reflects unity, solidarity, and national resilience after the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.”
The last JPL fixture played was a Monday Night Football double-header on October 20 during match week nine.
Portmore United defeated Harbour View 4-1 in the opening game before Tivoli Gardens turned back Arnett Gardens 2-1.
Owen Hill, CEO of the PFJL, said while his organisation looks towards the restart, he believes in the power of football to unite not just the communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa, but across the entire island.
“At a time when many across Jamaica are rebuilding, the resumption of the league is a powerful reminder of our strength and resilience.
“Football has always been a binding force in our nation, and as we return to play, we do so with a renewed commitment to unity, hope, and national recovery,” he continued.
“We stand firmly with our clubs, players, and communities as we rise again, together.”
Gregory Daley, chairman of JFF Competitions and Regulations, said the Jamaican spirit remained unbroken in a time of disaster.
He believes that the JPL can play a crucial role in rebuilding communities and is confident of a strong return for the league.
“Our clubs have endured tremendous hardship following Hurricane Melissa, but the spirit of Jamaican football remains unbroken.”
“As we restart the JPL, we do so stronger, more determined, and more united in purpose. Football will play a critical role in the healing and rebuilding of our communities.”
There are three fixtures yet to be played in match week nine.
The PFJL is expected to announce the new schedule of games for the JPL in the coming days.