CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani recently wrapped up a tour of three Caribbean nations—Jamaica, Bonaire, and Guyana—where he observed the strides being made in football development and discussed new opportunities to grow the sport across the region.
The tour emphasized strengthening partnerships with local football leaders and exploring initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure, expanding leagues, and promoting youth involvement in the game.
In Jamaica, Montagliani met with Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts and General Secretary Dennis Chung to discuss ongoing efforts to upgrade the country’s National Stadium through collaboration with the government. The JFF officials also highlighted the progress of the Jamaica Premier League and the increasing prominence of women’s football, including Frazsiers Whip FC’s participation in CONCACAF’s W Champions Cup.
Joining Montagliani on his tour were Bermuda FA President Mark Wade and St Lucia FA President Lyndon Cooper, both instrumental in the growth of football in their own countries.
Unveiling of a new multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility
Montagliani’s next stop was Bonaire, where he engaged with local football stakeholders, including Bonaire Football Federation President Ludwig Balentin and the island’s Commissioner of Sport. The discussions centered on the development of football in Bonaire, with Montagliani visiting facilities and exploring ways to further promote the game in the region.
The final leg of the tour took Montagliani to Guyana, where he was welcomed by Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Ford. A key moment during this visit was the unveiling of a new multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility, made possible through a partnership between the GFF, Blue Water Shipping, CONCACAF, FIFA, and the Guyanese government. Montagliani also met with President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to discuss the government’s continued role in supporting the growth of football in Guyana.
In addition, Montagliani was present for the launch of Guyana’s U-13 girls’ football tournament at the GFF National Training Center. The tournament, designed to boost female participation in the sport, will involve 40 schools across the country.
Reflecting on the tour
Reflecting on the tour, Montagliani said, “It was a privilege to visit Jamaica, Bonaire, and Guyana to see the incredible progress being made to develop football at all levels. From the improvement of local leagues to the creation of new facilities and the promotion of youth tournaments, there is remarkable work happening in the Caribbean.”
He extended his gratitude to the presidents of the JFF, Bonaire Football Federation, and GFF for their warm hospitality and ongoing dedication to advancing football in the region.
Montagliani was accompanied by a CONCACAF delegation, including Director of Member Services for the Caribbean Howard McIntosh, Director of Caribbean Member Association Affairs Horace Reid, Senior Manager for Member Association Affairs Sofia Malizia, and Protocol Manager Nidia Mercado.
