Jerry Holness

Former outstanding Manchester High coach Jerry Holness has gone against the trend of Jamaican coaches plying their trade in North America Universities taking a job in Western Asia, working as national coach of the Dubai track and field national team.

Holness, who is in the island on holiday break was in attendance at the recent Wata/JC Development Track and Field meet at Jamaica College, spoke about his first year coaching in that country.

"I decided to take a break from coaching in Jamaica and at the moment I am trying to build a competitive track and field programme in Dubai, trying to change their track and field culture," Holness said.

However, despite his intentions, Holness says it is not easy task.

"The level of enthusiasm and competitiveness we have in Jamaica is not there but one day I am hoping to make this possible," Holness said.

"I have set myself a goal and I am not going to let things of the past derail my progress. I am comfortable with where I am and I am able to keep in touch with what is happening in Jamaica through the electronic and print media," he said.

According to Holness, this team does have some Jamaican flavour as he has former Vere Technical High School coach Dwayne Jarrett, who is his assistant, working with this team. After witnessing his first track and meet locally for this year Holness took time out to compare the meets in Dubai.

"You cannot compare what happens in Jamaica with what happens in Dubai, the people there are very laid-back and there is little or no crowd support as most times you go to a meet all you see are the athletes and the officials," said Holness, who is hoping that other Jamaican coaches can make a big impact on other programmes overseas.