Adrian Frater, News Editor

Wayne Saulter - file

Western Bureau:

The suggestion that former Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) boss Captain Horace Burrell is seeking to buy his way back to the top of national football by offering lucrative sponsorship deals to various parish associations has been flatly rejected by Wayne Saulter, the financial controller of the Captain's Bakery.

While acknowledging that the Captain's Bakery is currently investing in excess of J$9 million in sponsorship in seven parishes and one confederation, Saulter who was addressing Saturday night's St. James Football Association (StJFA) end of season presentation and awards ceremony, in Montego Bay, insisted that it was no bribe.

"We view our sponsorship as a major investment and as such, we expect to get maximum returns on our advertising dollar," saids.

True potential

Saulter. "Our objective and intention is to assist talented Jamaicans to develop their skills and realise their true potential as well as to promote our Captain's Bakery brand."

In an obvious swipe at elements within the current JFF administration, who have been intimating that Captain Burrell was using his wealth to undermine their administration, Saulter said investing in football is nothing new to the Captain's Bakery, which he said pioneered the sponsorship of women's football in Jamaica.

"As far back as in the year 1999, when we saw the potential of our young ladies, it was the Captain's Bakery, which sponsored and supported women's football at the high school level. This when there were no other sponsors," said Saulter.

"In the final year of our sponsorship in 2004, we took 25 players and officials from the winning St. Jago team on an all-expense paid trip to the Cayman Islands for a two-game tour against the Cayman national team."

In further emphasising that the lucrative sponsorship had nothing to do with Captain Burrell's personal ambitions, Saulter said the company's reputation is built on the principles of integrity and excellence, which is driving their philosophy to help develop those around them.

Honourable intentions

"We certainly hope that our contribution is viewed by the recipients in a favourable light," he said. "Our intentions are honourable and we will always keep it that way."

During the presentation ceremony, Saulter presented Wadadah FC, which won the 2006 St. James FA/Captain's Bakery Knock Out competition with a cheque for $75,000 and the Captain's Bakery Trophy. Members of the winning team also received gold medals.

The winners of the other major awards were as follows:

Guardian Life Division II- Salt Spring Roses, DB&G Under -13 - Reggae Kids, DB&G Under-15 - Reggae Kids, St. James Under-17 - Reggae Kids, St. James Under-20 - Seba United, Hart & Son Senior League - Black Diamond and Samuel Hart Trophy - Seba United.