Jamaicans were given a day to celebrate the Reggae Boyz's historic game where they became the first English-speaking team to qualify for the World Cup. Both sides of the House of Representatives agreed with the  prime minister's announcement of a Reggae Boyz holiday.

Published: Wednesday, November 19, 1997

Bill passed for “Reggae Boyz holiday’

The House of Representatives yesterday unanimously passed the bill approving the national holiday to mark the achievement of Jamaica’s football team in qualifying for the 1998 World Cup in France.

In a rare display of unity, there was no objection from the two opposition parties in the House. The bill, entitled “An Act to Make Provision for the Commemoration of the Historic Achievement of the Jamaican national football team in qualifying for the 1998 World Cup Finals", was passed without amendment.

Minister Portia Simpson piloted the bill.

Present in the House were three members of the successful squad: Peter Cargill, Gregory Messam, and Fabian Davis. Also present were technical director Renee Simoes, Jamaica Football Federation president Captain Horace Burrell, executive member Lincoln ‘Happy’ Sutherland, general manager Horace Reid and trainer Alfredo Montesso. There were invited to sit in the Speakers Gallery by Speaker of the House Carl Marshall.

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