DFA mourns fallen comrades

Norran Jno Hope and Kurt Hector
Norran Jno Hope and Kurt Hector

President of the Dominica Football Association (DFA), Glen Etienne, has said that it was with a deep sense of loss and sadness that he has addressed the media in relation to the untimely death of two members of the football family.

Kurt Hector and Norran Jno Hope lost their lives on Friday when the vehicle they were traveling in, plunged into a chasm that developed on the Pont Casse main road due to heavy rains. Another person was seriously injured and is now in hospital.

Etienne and DFA secretary, Ericson Degallaire, were in Panama attending a FIFA Congress at the time of the incident.

He said the news came as “a shock” and the support from the regional and international football community has been encouraging and well intentioned.

“Let me on behalf of the Board of Management of the Dominica Football Association and the entire football family extend profound and sincere sympathy to the family and friends of our two fallen heroes. May they find comfort in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is the giver and taker of life,” he said.

The last few days he said have been “extremely difficult and painful for all Dominicans, especially their loved ones.”

“Words certainly cannot convey how we truly feel. At this time, let us thank the Almighty Father for Joselyn Prince, who is battling for his life at the Princess Margaret Hospital. It is truly by divine intervention that he is alive today. We trust and pray that his recovery will be a speedy one and that he will be back with us in no time,” the DFA Boss stated.

He describes the late Kurt Hector and Norran Jno Hope as “national heroes.”

“Our fallen heroes, national coach Kurt Hector and debutant, Norran Jno Hope are true heroes in every sense of the word, since they died with their boots on, literally. They died in the process of going to do what they loved,” Etiene pointed out.

Kurt Hector, he said was “a very dedicated coach” and one who gave his all. “He took his job seriously and always strived to make his players better. As a former national player Kurt worked hard when representing his country and his commitment was unquestioned and unchallenged. He demanded the same from his players. This dedicated member of staff has left a void within the football family that will be very difficult to fill.”

“Noran Jno Hope was extremely happy to have been selected to the senior national team, having graduated from youth football. His mannerisms and discipline will be forever etched in our memories. His good work ethics is something for others to emulate,” Etienne remarked.

The next few days, he said, will be very trying for all and so he called on persons to focus their efforts on positive thoughts. “Our efforts must also be focused on Joselyn Prince who is still not out of the woods. Let us more than ever, pray for his speedy recovery and for wisdom for the doctors working with him. Let us also remember, in our prayers, the families and friends of Kurt and Noran as well as their team mates from the Sagicor South East football team during this trying and difficult time,” Etiene said.

The sport of football in Dominica, he stated, has lost two of its finest and certainly the sport will not be the same. “To the members of the national team, let me express profound gratitude to you for your courage and strength during this difficult time. You have demonstrated maturity, good statesmanship and sportsmanship and for that we are all proud of you,” Etienne stated.

He extended special thanks to the various individuals and organizations that were on the scene and assisted in one way or the other. This, he said, was truly a great effort and must not go unnoticed.

He warned that this was not a time for the “rumor mill to be churning rapidly”. “Let me call on all those who are bent on mischief to desist from such practice as this does not help the situation and only brings more pain and anguish to the family members of those concerned. In the face of adversity, let us show solidarity not divisiveness,” he stated.

Etienne said the DFA pledges its support to the family and friends of all the families affected by the tragedy.

“These two young lives have been taken away from us like a thief in the night. Indeed, we are truly deprived of their skills and talents. We may never be able to completely get over this loss. We hope that as time passes by, the pain will be more bearably. In this time of profound loss, our only comfort lies in the fact that these two fine gentlemen are in a better place smiling over us and I greeting their maker,” he said.

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21 Comments

  1. dfa strong
    April 23, 2013

    May the soul of the departed,REST IN PEACE,JAH knows all things and everything is in Jah’s hands.Condolences goes out to the familes and friends,may they be comforted and supported.
    I wish and hope certain playing fields in the south east,be name after the players, also two flamboyant trees should be planted on either ends of the playing fields,a red and a yellow to grace the fields in thier memories.

  2. way papa
    April 23, 2013

    words are not enough to describe that level of pain in our hearts. RIP brothers RIP.so sad

  3. Anonymous
    April 22, 2013

    Oh lord of mercy and compassion have pity on the soul of thy servants, grant unto them mercy oh lord may perpetual light shine upon them may they rest in peace.

  4. Laplaine
    April 22, 2013

    Kurt and Norran RIP.. We will surely miss you all in laplaine,gone but not forgotton. To the parents of Norron be strong,Kurt i no what your dad is going through, you lost yost mom in october now he has to deal with another death, its not easy but where there is a will there is a way .

  5. me
    April 22, 2013

    slowmo boi sad sad see u again someday

  6. merele graham
    April 22, 2013

    be strong family and friends

  7. cute girl
    April 22, 2013

    god guidance and courage to the members of the family

  8. Lady K
    April 22, 2013

    To the families of the victims…may you find strength in the arms of the Lord…To the members of the Team…be each other’s strength through this difficult time…and to Mr. Etienne you said it well…rite and to the point…proper speech…May you all comfort…much blessings and love….

  9. kally canaii
    April 22, 2013

    This is so sad to say farless to talk about well condolences to the decease families may the good lord bless u all

  10. Big mama
    April 22, 2013

    Well said Glen they are our heroes i am in the states i think i knew kurt the others are too young i do not know them but my prayers are with the families and speedy recovery to mr prince God loves you

  11. South Side
    April 22, 2013

    To the families of the victim…strength….may the soul of Mr Kirk Hector and Mr Norran Jno Hope Rest In Perfect Peace….To the Football Family Strenght..hold strong To the National Team …Brother Hold it Together….To Mr Etienne ..very Comforting words….God Blessings on All

  12. gwaj
    April 22, 2013

    Great to hear heartwarming and encouraging words from DFA boss!

  13. Diva
    April 22, 2013

    Heartfelt message here spoken by Mister Etienne
    Yes, all three are national hero.Mr Prince was saved for a reason…

  14. Peacock
    April 22, 2013

    Can you described death as ‘untimely’? Certainly not as only the Creator knows the day and the hour.. There is no such thing as an untimely death.

    May the souls of the departed, rest in peace. Amen!

  15. Justice and Truth
    April 22, 2013

    Our Dear Lord, King and Savior Jesus Christ said, “In everything give God thanks and praise”. We know how difficult this is to do. After all, we are only human. Nevertheless, this is what He taught us. After all is said and done and through tears, we must do as He has told us, accepting and resigning ourselves to what is and what which we cannot change. It will also be healthy for us, our peace of mind and heart. Those who recognize God, who have genuine faith, hope and trust in him will give it all to Our Lord Jesus Christ and say, “Thy Will be done O Lord” and “You know what is best”. For this, they will receive God’s continued blessing and peace of heart.
    Time may heal the pain of the passing of our loved ones but memories of them will never be erased from our hearts. They are here to stay until our turn comes to enter eternity. May it be a happy transition for us. In the interim, while life lasts, all we can do is pray.
    Having stated that, considering the tragic passing of Kurt and Norran which has saddened us Dominicans and more so their family, friends and the National Football Team, I recalled the following which I also got from that prayer book and one which I also love to pray and share with others. May it also be a source of consolation to those who particularly mourn their passing, as primarily their grieving family:

    Prayer of Praise

    Lord Jesus, You are Light, You are Love, You are Power.
    It is from Your brightness that events take all their meaning, that trials are explained and that we see sufferings cancelled by redemption.
    It is in Your nearness that we find peace and security and it is under Your influence that all becomes radiant, is transformed and transfigured.
    You are the Way, You are the Truth, for You have the words of eternal life. You yourself are the Life.
    You are infinite Love. Infinitely respectful of our liberty, which, in Your eyes, is the price of our response to Your Love. You have loved us from the beginning and You love us unceasingly regardless of our misery and even of our resistance.
    You are the source of the fraternal charity, which alone is capable of resolving the problems that crush the world.
    You are Powerful. You vanquished the world and You are the eternal Victor. It is You indeed Who will always have the last word in everything.
    You alone are holy, You alone are Lord. You alone are the Almighty!
    Praise, honor and glory to The Blessed Trinity!

  16. Justice and Truth
    April 22, 2013

    Excellent article and tribute to the fallen heroes. Also Joselyn, the living hero who projected a great feat with courage and strength in climbing up from the crevice of the accident to get help and who also prevented further disasters.
    I am not a relative. I do not know them. However, as I continue to think of what transpired on that morning, two promising lives lost and the injuries of their comrade, I am still in shock. This accident and the tragic outcome have shocked all Dominicans.
    I pray for the repose of the souls of Kurt and Norran. I also pray for Joselyn, for a speedy and full recovery. In addition for the family of Kurt and Norran that God may strenghten them in their grief, one which they did not expect to experience when their loved ones left home that morning.
    My prayers are also with Joselyn’s family during their anxiety as they wish for him, that he will soon be restored to full health.
    God bless them all!

  17. sad
    April 22, 2013

    Well said Mr. Etienne! My thoughts and prayers are with the families of Kirt and Norran. I am also fervently praying for Joslyn Prince. May God’s healing hands bring him back to good health and use this as his testimony to give praise and glory to God. For God sent his angels to charge over you and rescue you Joslyn.

  18. big boy
    April 22, 2013

    May the soul of the departed norran and kirt rest in peace. Lord give their family and friend the courage to deal with the situation.Mr prince our prayers are with you.

  19. not sure
    April 22, 2013

    Lets all keep Prince in our Prayer, many of us with sons knows thier obsession with the sport

  20. 2013
    April 22, 2013

    Well said…

  21. /////////////////
    April 22, 2013

    Well said Glen!

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