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Mourning messages continue locally and across the region in response to the sudden past of Godfrey Lothian, the immediate former president of the Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA), on Tuesday.
The 65-year-old sports manager was reported to have suffered a heart attack at home on Tuesday morning and was pronounced dead at the hospital, causing table tennis, cricket and football teams to shock. Lothian served as President of the JTTA for three terms from 2013-2019. He was also a board member of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA).
He also served football for decades.
As such, the Kingston and St.Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) announced its deep condolences to the President of Greenwich Town FC and the family of Godfrey Lothian.
For more than 30 years, he has had a passion for youth and grassroots programs in the Greenwich Town football community.
KSAFA President Wayne Shaw stressed that “Lothian was a community man who wanted to see the best for young people. His contribution to football will be remembered.”
Minister for Gender, Culture, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange also expressed her surprise at the sudden passing of the esteemed administrator.
I am deeply shocked to learn that Mr Godfrey Lothian died unexpectedly at his home. Mr. Lothian was a dedicated servant in Jamaican table tennis, and his contribution will not be forgotten. My heartfelt sympathy for his family, JTTA and the table tennis discussion, the minister said.
The Jamaican Cricket Association also responded to the news.
Director Lothian served as president of the Kingston and St Andrew Cricket Association. He also served on the board of the JCA. On behalf of the JCA and wider cricket, we once again express our condolences and constant prayer, the JCA said in a statement.
However, local and regional table tennis was the most fraternity.
News of Lothian’s death evoked sympathy messages from the Caribbean, including the International Federation of Table Tennis, Barbados, Cuba, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, French Guiana, Dominican Republic, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, Haiti, Martinique, Bonaire, Suriname, St Vincent .
Closer to home, Lothian helped restore the twilight of sport by focusing on youth development and committed children and their parents.
Andrew Read, the current president of JTTA, said he was both shocked and saddened by the news of Lothians ’death. I’ve learned a lot from him, Read said. This is shocking. We had disagreements, but I wouldn’t want that on anyone.
During the Lothians presidency, former Juniors national team leader Natalie Johnson said she was disbelieving.
His death is a real shock, and my heart goes to his family, he said.
I treated the table tennis community because of my son Azizi. I can definitely say that, under Mr Lothian, the juniors succeeded at a level where they competed internationally. He made sure the juniors were exposed at every opportunity. Let his soul rest in peace. “
National player Kane Watson said Lothian had a strong follower and people who didn’t see things their way, but he was committed and worked hard. He wanted better table tennis, Watson said.
Glanna and Tsenaye Lewis ’mother, Klan Bell-Lewis, who represents Jamaica at the junior level, said Lothian made a significant impact on the sport.
“As a parent of girls, I appreciate Mr. Lothian and his administration in creating a space where girls were received and encouraged in sports. His contribution to the development of young people through table tennis is significant,” he said.
Lewis ’daughter, Tsenaye, a member of the national group from 2016-2019, portrayed the late president as a vision.
Rest in peace, Mr. Lothian. He was a visionary organizer and had high hopes for junior players. Long live his legacy. “
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