THE Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc. mourns the loss of one of its Vice Presidents and a cherished friend, Mr. Emmanuel Bellas.
In a public statement, the SLFA expressed the following sentiments:
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the town of Vieux Fort, and the entire football and sporting community. Mr. Bellas made significant contributions as the Head of Coaching at the Saint Lucia Football Association and was the immediate Past President of the Vieux Fort South Football League.”
The statement adds, in honour of Mr. Emmanuel Bellas, who passed away on 19th November 2024, the Executive Committee of the Saint Lucia Football Association Inc. has mandated the following actions effective immediately:
1. A One Minute of Silence will be observed before the start of each ongoing Football Championship match, including Women’s matches and Under 12 Boys’ games, until further notice.
2. All referees will be required to wear an armband while officiating all SLFA matches.
3. We urge all Clubs and Leagues to express their condolences to the family during this period of bereavement by any means available.
In addition, the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports released a statement in honour of Bellas expressing profound sorrow at his passing. Bellas was a revered retired Physical Education Teacher and Football Coach.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, children, grandchildren, and the broader sporting community. Mr. Bellas stands as a paragon of inspiration, resilience, and unyielding joy,” noted the Ministry’s statement.
The statement further emphasised, “Emmanuel Bellas, the Southern Zone Vice President of the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) and a former Physical Education teacher at Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School, passed away early Tuesday morning at the age of 61.”
A dynamic coach and influential figure, Bellas earned numerous accolades for his dedication at both the SLFA Annual Awards Ceremony and the National Sports Awards, including distinctions such as Coach of the Year and Administrator of the Year.
On the national stage, Bellas demonstrated his expertise by coaching the women’s national team and the under-17 men’s football team.
Bellas was not just a successful football coach; he was a pioneering innovator who maintained his core values throughout his successes in football, track and field, and cricket at the secondary school level.
Furthermore, he served as the Head Coach of Education at the SLFA and was the Immediate Past President of the Caribbean Football Coaches Association (CARFCA). Notably, he opted not to seek re-election in the recent election held three weeks ago due to his declining health.
In December 2023, Bellas participated in the 1st CONCACAF Coach Education Conference in Miami, Florida, demonstrating his commitment to the sport.
During his tenure as VFS Football League President and Coach, VFS made history by winning the Blackheart Knockout Championship for four consecutive years. They paved the way for success, first defeating Marchand 1-nil in 2016, followed by a 3-nil victory against Canaries the next year.
In 2018, VFS solidified their dominance by outpacing Laborie 4-1, becoming the first team to secure three consecutive Blackheart titles, and capped off their legacy with a fourth title in a row by defeating Micoud 3-1.
The Ministry of Youth Development and Sports wholeheartedly extends its sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and all who were touched by the extraordinary life of Emmanuel Bellas.