20 Jun 2021

Former President of the Jamaica Table Tennis Association and First Vice-President of the Caribbean Region Table Tennis Federation, Godfrey Lothian passed away on Tuesday 15th June. He was 65 years old.

by Ian Marshall, Editor

Reportedly, he was found at home unconscious having earlier complained of not feeling well; he was rushed to hospital but could not be resuscitated.

Elected President of the Jamaica Table Tennis Association in 2013, Godfrey Lothian relinquished the post earlier this year, following a contest for the leadership role.

Godfrey Lothian was a strong supporter of activities organised by the Caribbean Regional Table Tennis Federation (CRTTF), with Jamaica hosting tournaments at all age group levels.

Teddy Matthews, CRTTF President, paid tribute:

“Godfrey set about this task assiduously, not only working feverishly at grassroot levels but also at the high-performance level. He was a man of many ideas and sought to implement them rapidly, sometimes ignoring the cost but only seeing the outcome. At local level, the association under his leadership was able to secure funding for a Swedish coach to spend six months in Jamaica conducting courses and training athletes. He secured the services of a Japanese coach for two years and had a Memorandum of Understanding with a school to use its auditorium for training.” Teddy Matthews

Likewise, Vasdev Bob Roopnarine, CRTTF Secretary-General, responded to the passing:

“The CRTTF wishes to express condolences to his family, the Jamaica table tennis community and family, and all his friends. He has moved to a higher place. May his soul rest in peace.” Vasdev Bob Roopnarine

A strong character, a person who set goals and strove to achieve the targets set with great determination, Godfrey Lothian is sadly missed.

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