Another storm for Treasure Beach

Trouble is brewing at Treasure Beach Football Club, with players threatening strike action over alleged delayed payments and growing concerns about their treatment by the club’s management.

According to a person within the Treasure Beach camp with knowledge of the situation, who wished to remain anonymous because he was not authorised to speak publicly, players have become increasingly distressed over their treatment and uncertain about their future with the club.

“From last season [they have been] going through this, but coming back this season, they (Treasure Beach administration) said it would be better, so the players just make up their minds to return. But [they] returned and it’s the same thing, no difference,” said the source.

The source said players decided on Tuesday to take strike action after management failed to communicate with them regarding salary delays.

“[They] finalised it because nobody said anything about the pay.”

According to the source, repeated attempts to contact management have often been unsuccessful.

“When they do answer, they say no money is there,” said the source.

The source said players are owed wages for August and September and have decided not to return to camp or attend training sessions.

The reported industrial action, however, will not affect the team’s Jamaica Premier League fixtures.

The source also said players feel “unloved” and “unappreciated” by the club’s owners.

“No love is there. Maybe a few management people, probably two or three, but there is no love. You call them, you can’t get them, and they’re not returning your call,” the source said.

“We don’t feel like the players are going to be here until December. About four players are at camp now and they said they’re going home. It’s a case where maybe not everyone is going to be at Sunday’s game,” the source said, adding that the management needs to be more organised and improve communication with the players.

“They are running a club, but they are not ready for the Jamaica Premier League. They are not ready for this,” the source added.

UNAWARE OF STRIKE ACTION

Meanwhile, Treasure Beach FC President Paul Bernard said management was unaware of any strike action, while acknowledging delays in player payments.

“From the management perspective, we are not aware that nobody is on strike. The secretary went there Tuesday night and spoke to 15 players. I was informed that 20 players are there, so we know nothing about any strike because of delay of payment. That is far from the truth,” said Bernard.

“We always have delays in payment. That is not new. The payment was due on Monday the 28th. They responded and those concerns were readdressed,” he added.

In June, Bernard said delays in promised funding from Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) to Jamaica Premier League clubs, coupled with the financial difficulties facing teams, could jeopardise preparations and even participation in the upcoming season.

At the time, Bernard said clubs were struggling under mounting financial pressure after receiving only a fraction of the funding pledged by the league’s governing body.

Defending the club’s treatment of its players, Bernard said Treasure Beach provides two large meals daily, jersey laundering, water and Internet access.

“They are not fending for themselves. We are the only club that house people and give them two big meals every day,” Bernard said.

“The players are on the camp, and training is going on, so I don’t know nothing about what the source is speaking of,” he added.

Treasure Beach FC was founded in 1993 and began in the second division, with Jason Henzell serving as chairman.

The club earned promotion to the Jamaica Premier League in 2023.

Henzell, a businessman who was one of the driving forces behind the club, tendered his resignation in 2025. Floyd Green, member of parliament for St Elizabeth South Western, subsequently succeeded him as chairman.

Treasure Beach struggled to attract investors and sponsors last season.

The club, which sits 12th in the standings, will host bottom-placed Humble Lion on Sunday at the St Elizabeth Technical High School Sports Complex at 3 p.m.