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 difficult economic times.

Cruickshanks hopes for an increase in the annual disbursement 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 (Sports Minister Olivia Grange) thanks because it helps,” he said.

“Hopefully, it can get better as we go along. But on 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 the PFJL [Professional Football Jamaica Limited]. It is the Government’s personal contribution in helping Premier League clubs and it can only get better,” he commented.

Jureidini agreed that the $150,000 the clubs will receive each month over the course of the season will provide invaluable assistance and commended the Government for its 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 PLCA [Premier League Clubs Association] and that has consistently held with the running of the Premier League and [now defunct] under-21 [league]. And today it is provided through monthly assistance,” said Jureidini.

“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 J$200,000 this month, and for the remainder of the league they will receive $150,000 per 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 contribution 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.

From The Jamaica Gleaner