Honourees go above and beyond for Bell/Ziadie Memorial

Despite transport challenges for former Reggae Boyz 1998 World Cup hero Durrant ‘Tatti’ Brown and a demanding overseas schedule for ex-Reggae Girlz standout Tashawna Vincent, both went above and beyond to attend the 41st staging of the Bell/Ziadie Memorial Football Awards at St George’s College on Heroes’ Day yesterday.

Brown, who lives in St James, was part of the formidable three-man Reggae Boyz defence during the 1998 World Cup qualifying campaign alongside Ian ‘Pepe’ Goodison and Linval Dixon.

Organiser Neville ‘Busy’ Campbell disclosed that Brown was almost a no-show because of transportation difficulties, but readily accepted the invitation to travel by bus from Montego Bay to Kingston.

“Durrant Brown had transportation problems, but he was willing to jump on a Knutsford Express, and he came up early this morning to be able to accept it (award),” Campbell pointed out.

Brown described the award as especially meaningful, noting that occasions such as these provide a rare opportunity for younger Jamaicans to learn about his contribution to the game.

“This one is kind of special because, you know, it is ‘Busy’, and you know how ‘Busy’ does things over the years. So for Mr ‘Busy’ to do this for me it is a plus. A great, great plus,” he commented.

“I have to be on the media for people to ask those questions (Who is ‘Tatti’ Brown?). So, only times like this I get to go on the media for the younger generation to really know who I am.

“But when you have stamped your class, you stamped your class, and everything I do, I do it from my heart. I put the work right out.”

Vincent, the current women’s football development supervisor at Concacaf, also adjusted her busy schedule to be present and collect her award.

“It is always good to be honoured for the work that you have been doing all your life, but it is specially sweet when it comes from local people.

“When I was contacted about this honour, I made it my point of duty to reach out to my boss and tell him that I had to be in Jamaica for this, because I want to show how important it is and how grateful I am,” she said.

“When my own people honour me, I am proud, because it is often said, you do not get crowned at home, but this is one case I can say it is not.

“So much thanks to the Bell and Ziadie families, and respect to Mr Busy Campbell for consistently recognising the unsung heroes of this country,” she said.

The other awardees were former national player Undel Williams, referee and coach Hansel Lee, and assistant referee Garnett Paige.

“I feel good within myself,” Campbell added. “And the honourees really appreciate it.”

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com