Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: Tallman on September 24, 2008, 05:57:50 AM
-
Osmond Downer celebrates 48 years at TTFF’s 100th anniversary
By Michelle Loubon (Trinidad Guardian)
T&T Football Federation (TTFF) celebrated 100 years at the Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya, Tunapuna, on September 5. It was a gala night — spanning 1904-2008 — to celebrate greats including footballers, journalists, heads of leagues and referees. Among the football hierarcy present was visiting Fifa president Sepp Blatter, vice president Austin Jack Warner, Uefa president Michel Platini, TTFF president Oliver Camps and chairman of the English Football Association Lord David Triesman.
Among the referees honoured was Osmond Downer — with a plaque in which was etched One Game One World One Passion — in recognition of Osmond Downer—for his contribution to football.
In his inimitable style, debonair Downer savoured the moment with a few drinks or ‘smallies’ as he called them.
But, on a more judicious note, Downer said, “It is an honour to be recognised after having contributed to the game of football for 48 years. It is a most fitting tribute. Forty eight years is a tremendous milestone. I was driven by my love and passion for the game. It is a beautiful game. It is an honour to serve my country and the Caribbean.”
Downer held the distinction of being the youngest football referee in the country in 1968.
Downer, former president of the T&T Football Referees Association (TTFRA) and chairman of the North Zone of the TTFRA, was privileged to witness the ascendancy of the Strike Squad and the Soca Warriors. The latter represented T&T splendidly at the 2006 World Cup finals, Germany.
He paid kudos to Warner and the TTFF for recognising his sterling contribution.
“It is a fantastic feeling to know you have the respect and admiration of the entire football fraternity locally and internationally,” he said.
Downer was joined by fellow referees Douglas James, George Cumberbatch, Lloyd de Gourville, Ken Laighlin, Richard Ramcharan, Ramesh Ramdhan and Lennox Sirjusingh.
Education, football links
Downer, a former principal of St Augustine Senior Comprehensive School, was instrumental in the development of Intercol football.
The ‘Green Machine’ as it is affectionately called top honours in.
It also produced the likes of coach Michael McComie.
“I have always felt football and sport had an integral role in education. Mens sana in corporeaus sana (A healthy mind in a healthy body.)
“I believe true education and learning and can only take place when there is discipline,” he added.
He lauded the recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Fifa and the University of the West Indies (UWI), at Campus Principal Prof Clement Sankat’s office, at UWI, St Augustine, also on September 5. It provides for the creation of a Fifa chair—the establishment of a Master of Arts in Physical Education and the establishment of a women’s football clinic.
“I share Blatter’s sentiments that a twinning between football and education would rebound to the benefit of the region. Education is important. T&T and the region can expect great dividends from such a partnership.”
On the flip side, Downer has always vented caustic criticism geared toward the development of the game.
In a previous article (June 5,’93) he bluntly stated it was a sad day when the Caribbean had to depend upon foreign referees for its Shell Caribbean Cup finals. He expressed the view there were enough competent referees in T&T, Jamaica and to a lesser extent Barbados.
About Osmond Downer
He was born in Gonzales, Port-of-Spain. While attending St Mary’s College, Port-of-Spain, he sustained a back injury. His dreams of becoming a star footballer were crushed. Undaunted, Downer participated in the referee’s course, and became the youngest international football referee, in 1960.
He attended the University of London, and read for a Degree in Biochemistry. He teaches Human and Social Biology at the Diego Martin Finishing School.
Downer loves curried duck and is a devotee of the History Channel. He enjoys reading and has contributed to articles to the book In the Eye of the Whistle 111: The refereeing at the 1994 World Cup. At Carnival, he assists the steelband fraternity and lists himself as a Minshallite.
Downer has travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean and Europe. Close friends like Austin Lyle and loved ones call him ‘Slim.’
He lives in Diego Martin and is married to Patricia. Downer is the father of Simone, Paul, David and Roelle.
(http://guardian.co.tt/osmond%20downer.jpg)
-
Just want to say to Osmond Downer "thanks"for his services to the game,i must say this was one Referee you just had to respect,he knew the game and was fair,he was one of the guys you don't mess around when he is in the centre and at the same time had a very good relationship with players,he knew us all and what we would do,always had a good word of advice but quick to warn you,definitely one of the stalwarts of T&T Football.
-
he like woman the way he like he football.
-
Just want to say to Osmond Downer "thanks"for his services to the game,i must say this was one Referee you just had to respect,he knew the game and was fair,he was one of the guys you don't mess around when he is in the centre and at the same time had a very good relationship with players,he knew us all and what we would do,always had a good word of advice but quick to warn you,definitely one of the stalwarts of T&T Football.
Coop's I agree to a point. Down is a thief who used to buy the refs (particularly Maynard) back in the 80's and 90's for his St. Augustine teams to win. He try to get my brother banned from playing for San Juan because he was about to go in the Fire Services.
Also, meh eh want to say this out loud but rumor has it he used to mess with them teenage school girls...Again me eh have no confirmation and ah hate to make the accusation but yuh know how we trini is...If so, them fellas should be in jail yes.
-
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
:devil:
:-[
got to love Trinis oui
-
T&T Football Federation (TTFF) celebrated 100 years at the Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya, Tunapuna, on September 5. It was a gala night — spanning 1904-2008 —
Isn't that 104 years?
-
Fair? Downer?
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Ah tell allyuh history is sumting else. One day fuh sure somebody go say Theobald was a great T&T footballer.....and it have people dat go agree!
-
he like woman the way he like he football.
yuh know about him eh lol i wonder if he still run that finishing school in four roads.. he used to teach human and social bio.
-
Also, meh eh want to say this out loud but rumor has it he used to mess with them teenage school girls...Again me eh have no confirmation and ah hate to make the accusation but yuh know how we trini is...If so, them fellas should be in jail yes.
I heard that also ....
-
Allyuh men puhhin a chilling effect on public recognition ... man gehhin recognised for more than reffin ... ah guess dahis a follow on to all de oddah revelations in de story (de man like he 'smallies' ... and maybe even
roast :devil: curry duck ... the joys of being a public figure.
-
T&T Football Federation (TTFF) celebrated 100 years at the Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya, Tunapuna, on September 5. It was a gala night — spanning 1904-2008 —
Isn't that 104 years?
Kicker, is the TTFF
-
Boy it real hard being a public figure,everybody may have had personal experiences with the guy,i can only go with mine because i know him personally,is there anybody in T&T Football that don't have skeletons in their closets?does that mean they have not contributed in some positive way to the improvement/development of the game in T&T?i know about all the shyt people saying about Downer that does not mean i have to hate the guy,look at the amount of quality players St Augustine produce during his time there and i must say he was a boss Referee,the thing is i'm dealing with Football and don't get into peoples personal lives,i wonder if the people that gave him that award knew this garbage about him that's the question we have to ask,if we really take on things or get into peoples lives nobody get nothing.
-
Boy it real hard being a public figure,everybody may have had personal experiences with the guy,i can only go with mine because i know him personally,is there anybody in T&T Football that don't have skeletons in their closets?does that mean they have not contributed in some positive way to the improvement/development of the game in T&T?i know about all the shyt people saying about Downer that does not mean i have to hate the guy,look at the amount of quality players St Augustine produce during his time there and i must say he was a boss Referee,the thing is i'm dealing with Football and don't get into peoples personal lives,i wonder if the people that gave him that award knew this garbage about him that's the question we have to ask,if we really take on things or get into peoples lives nobody get nothing.
No doubt he was a good referee.... especially when his team wasn't playing..
Nonetheless, he was still fricken crooked.
-
I normally doh get into de public bashing thing but having been at St. Augustine and had to experience the ego that is Osmond Downer, I can honestly say that that man could haul he f**kking ass. I was never a disciplinary problem for anyone, so this ent about me having axe to grind. All I would say is that when it came time for me to emigrate that man did his level best to frustrate my family's efforts. Why?? The reason alone is known to him. I guess he felt that was his personal way of stemming the 'brain drain' from TnT.
...and even then the rumors about him and young girls were pervasive, was the talk of the school for that matter. I even heard that that was the basis upon which he subsequently left 'gustine.
-
I normally doh get into de public bashing thing but having been at St. Augustine and had to experience the ego that is Osmond Downer, I can honestly say that that man could haul he f**kking ass. I was never a disciplinary problem for anyone, so this ent about me having axe to grind. All I would say is that when it came time for me to emigrate that man did his level best to frustrate my family's efforts. Why?? The reason alone is known to him. I guess he felt that was his personal way of stemming the 'brain drain' from TnT.
...and even then the rumors about him and young girls were pervasive, was the talk of the school for that matter. I even heard that that was the basis upon which he subsequently left 'gustine.
counsillor ah was waitin fuh yuh to retort.
-
My lasting impression bout de man is de different times I see him walking about de vale drunk boxin day.....
-
Years maybe as a pedophile if the accusation are true ,and then get an life time award lol ,trini good oui .
-
yes yes guys I know the stories about Downer but lets give his kudos as a ref and contributor to Trinidad and Tobago football as man he needs to check his morality
-
wayz... all of that?that's my family... enuff w/ the accusations nah >:(
-
so cause the man is family ,we have to forget he use to feel up all them boys from St Augustine ?
-
I normally doh get into de public bashing thing but having been at St. Augustine and had to experience the ego that is Osmond Downer, I can honestly say that that man could haul he f**kking ass. I was never a disciplinary problem for anyone, so this ent about me having axe to grind. All I would say is that when it came time for me to emigrate that man did his level best to frustrate my family's efforts. Why?? The reason alone is known to him. I guess he felt that was his personal way of stemming the 'brain drain' from TnT.
...and even then the rumors about him and young girls were pervasive, was the talk of the school for that matter. I even heard that that was the basis upon which he subsequently left 'gustine.
counsillor ah was waitin fuh yuh to retort.
Likewise.
-
Also, meh eh want to say this out loud but rumor has it he used to mess with them teenage school girls...Again me eh have no confirmation and ah hate to make the accusation but yuh know how we trini is...If so, them fellas should be in jail yes.
well is ah good thing yuh didnt want to say it loud. :rotfl:
-
D man is a legend crook or no crook pedophile or no pedophile but a legend
-
I normally doh get into de public bashing thing but having been at St. Augustine and had to experience the ego that is Osmond Downer, I can honestly say that that man could haul he f**kking ass. I was never a disciplinary problem for anyone, so this ent about me having axe to grind. All I would say is that when it came time for me to emigrate that man did his level best to frustrate my family's efforts. Why?? The reason alone is known to him. I guess he felt that was his personal way of stemming the 'brain drain' from TnT.
...and even then the rumors about him and young girls were pervasive, was the talk of the school for that matter. I even heard that that was the basis upon which he subsequently left 'gustine.
counsillor ah was waitin fuh yuh to retort.
Likewise.
Nah I was trying hard tuh bite mih tongue and not say nutten...but I ent go lie every time I think about dat it does sour mih. Ah mean, ah still overcome it and all, but the shit was just so bizarre and inexplicable. I was never on his radar before... he didn't know me and my family...all you have to do is sign up some papers fuh de embassy and you fukking with my future so?
Ah guess ah was supposed tuh stay 'gustine, collect mih 'A' levels and go wuk MTS *steups*
-
Just want to say to Osmond Downer "thanks"for his services to the game,i must say this was one Referee you just had to respect,he knew the game and was fair,he was one of the guys you don't mess around when he is in the centre and at the same time had a very good relationship with players,he knew us all and what we would do,always had a good word of advice but quick to warn you,definitely one of the stalwarts of T&T Football.
Coop's I agree to a point. Down is a thief who used to buy the refs (particularly Maynard) back in the 80's and 90's for his St. Augustine teams to win. He try to get my brother banned from playing for San Juan because he was about to go in the Fire Services.
Ah hear this nuff times (i talking about ref tiefing for gustine). Also recall they rob Fatima to win intercol one yr when pollonais was offside by a mile and score. Maynard was the ref, linesman raise the flag all kinda ting.
Then again wherever yuh go in TT dem ref does give yuh blade.
One time this man had gustine in 2nd place ready to go big 7, but so want to win east zone make them replay vs Eldo saying field was too small by 1 or 2 yds.
Eldo bust they tail , Grimes rest a beat through a man leg on the same 2 yds Downer beg for. Gustine finish 3rd and no big seven.
-
Downer is a asshole. Every Panorama he does be on the savannag stage with a megaphone directing traffic like he there in some sort of official capacity. One year my moms was on the board of pantrinbago, come to find out nobody never hire him and or ask him to be there. He just decide to come out with a megaphone and direct traffic.
Not to mention he have a child with a young girl on my aunt st in Diego. The child cyah be no more than 3.
-
D man is a legend crook or no crook pedophile or no pedophile but a legend
A legendary crook or legendary pedophile...or both? 8)
-
Maybe both a legend we sure
-
as ah ex gustineeee mehself, all i hafta say bout downer and he accomplishments in dey world of football is congrats ya did nuff for gustine and football. i'll never forget when gustine won intercol and he dey waving flag like all stars flagwoman dey next day roun' dey school. we almost get ah holiday oui......
but downer ya is still ah mudda cyat where my education was concerned. likewise bakes story, dat man try he damnest for me and meh 2 oder qualified friends not to get ein form 6 in he school. for whatever reasons is beyond me to this day. ah wasn't ah dunce, ah had all 8 CXC passes eh. Is only after meh mudda blow she horn hard in he office and threaten he arse to dey ministry ah education and when she call names she knew, datz how we get ein.
as for dey 'rumors' bout dey girls and dem ummm "cawf"
st john road and bates trace santa magarita....
ah gone >:(
-
WDA? At this point in de proceedings ah wondering wha de obituary going to read like ... ah suddenly thinking bout de one Dutty post de other day.
-
...all that said, I had AH TIME at St. Augustine... inspite of facking Downer.
But I ent here tuh piss on nobody grave (Asylum hush, lol)... I was talking to my old Bio teacher from Holy Cross back in January, this is the teacher who was most influential in my life... and he in turn said that Downer was the teacher who was most influential in his life... Bossofallbosses you was dey. Basically the esteem I hold my teacher in, he in turn holds Downer in similarly high regard...for taking the time to break down complex concepts in a manner that he was able to reach him and his fellow St. Mary's classmates.
I ent personally have nutten good to say about de man, but others do, so I suppose Downer ent all bad.
-
But Bakes....the beauty about people like Downer is that they make you a better man.....
-
But Bakes....the beauty about people like Downer is that they make you a better man.....
That is a fact as you ent want to be like them ;)
-
But Bakes....the beauty about people like Downer is that they make you a better man.....
Ah trying hard tuh see it in this particular case eh... lol. I ent go fight it doh, I'll agree with yuh.
De bitterness pass... to his credit he did give a lot (some might say too much, lol) of himself to the local game, damn near 50 yrs is nutten to sneeze at...so God bless him.
-
Ex-FIFA referee/instructor Osmond Downer honoured
By George Baptiste (T&T Newsday)
Retired FIFA referee and instructor Osmond Downer was honoured for his unstinted service to Caribbean, international and local football.
He was presented with an award by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) to mark his 56 years service.
The presentation took place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, shortly before the start of the World Cup qualifier between the Trinidad and Tobago “Soca Warriors” and Guatemala.
Downer, ex- principal of St Augustine Senior Comprehensive School, founded that school’s football team into a powerhouse in the Secondary Schools Football League, popularly called “the mean Green Machine”.
Presentation of the award was done by TTFA first vice-president Ewing Davis to Downer “in recognition of your sterling contribution to the development of football in Trinidad and Tobago since 1960 with special emphasis on Refereeing.” Downer return to Trinidad in 1960 after university studies abroad, but not before becoming an English Referee Association- qualified referee.
And, since then, he has been associated with football, and refereeing in particular, dating to 56 years.
In 1968 Downer was issued his FIFA referee’s badge making him the then-youngest man in the world to be a FIFA International referee.
Downer retired from the FIFA panel in 1985 after holding a FIFA badge for 17 years.
But he was not done, as he was appointed a FIFA Referee Instructor in 1988 and retired from this position after 20 years.
During this period, Downer conducted training courses for all referees in TT from 1968 unto the present - 48 years.
Apart from TT, Downer conducted training courses throughout the Caribnbean, North and Central America for over 40 years, and was instrumental in the forming of the Referees Association in Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
He received a FIFA Special Award in 1985 for his service as a local and internationl referee and instructor.
Of course, Downer served as president of the TT Referees’ Association for several terms and still holds the position of vice-president of the organisation.
Added to this, for the past 51 years to today, Downer has been a delegate to the annual general meeting of the TTFA.