“Sports remain a critical vehicle for economic growth” – Grange

Sports Minster, Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, yesterday, pledged her commitment in using her best efforts in convincing her colleague, Transport Minister, Honourable Mike Henry in providing a team bus for the Reggae Boyz as they continue their campaign to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be held in Russia. Minister Grange made the commitment at the media launch of the Digicel/Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Partnership at Digicel’s headquarters in Downtown Kingston, where the telecommunications provider revealed a four-year sponsorship agreement valued at US$3 million.

The Minister said, sports remain a critical vehicle for economic growth and, as such, she will ensure that the Reggae Boyz receive the right ‘bus’ they need for the road to Russia.

“So, today, I make the commitment to you that I am going to speak with my colleague Minister to ensure you get this bus,” she said, adding that the Government of Jamaica will continue to play its part in supporting the JFF and the country’s football programme.

Pointing to the significant contributions which judicious investment and programmed development of football could make to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Minister called for stronger support of football at the grassroots level and explained that “how we develop, nurture, package and see the product that is football will determine whether or not we get the buy-in,” she said.

“Captain Burrell, I strongly believe that focusing on building a solid base at the grassroots level will ensure that Jamaica remains competitive at the international level, which will have the effect of increasing our chances of qualifying regularly for the FIFA World Cup tournaments,” added Minister Grange.

In commending Digicel’s CEO, David Butler, on the organization’s unwavering support over the years to sports development and for its vision of establishing the Grassroots Programme, Minister Grange said, “Digicel has created a template for corporate social responsibility and creativity in business which could serve as a model for Jamaican businesses.”

“This administration, led by the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, is serious about growing the economy and as the Minister of Sport, I am prepared to put my energies behind any initiative that will contribute in real terms to the growth of our economy and development of our people,” Minister Grange added.