Malcolm Ramsey would be the first to admit that his love for sports in general, developed while as a little boy, selling nuts at the then Grove Park.
He recalls being torn between making another nuts’ sale and looking back to watch the heroes of the day, especially the former Leeward Island greats like Livingstone Sargeant, as they thrilled the crowds, back then.
Now Ramsey is facing much larger crowds, as he is now on a much bigger stage and this time around, he is not selling nuts—far from it.
Even as we speak, Mr. Ramsey is currently on assignment in Canada as one of the FIFA Referee Assessors, for the FIFA world cup qualifiers Qatar 2022-CONCACAF final round.
On Thursday 2nd September at the BMO stadium, he was the Referee Assessor and assessed the Mexican referee team, in the match, Canada versus Honduras
Tomorrow, Wednesday 8th September, he will be the Referee Assessor to assess the Costa Rican referee team, in the match Canada versus El Salvador, slated for 8.05 pm.
Ramsey in his usual humble style told this reporter:
“I am honoured to be considered for these top-level appointments, but TO GOD I GIVE ALL THE GLORY!
I encourage young, athletic males and females to join the Refereeing fraternity in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
At this present time, St. Kitts and Nevis has six FIFA officials:
Referees
Kimbel Ward of Nevis
Tristley Bassue and Trevester Richards of St.Kitts
Assistant Referees
Graeme Browne and Ike Inniss of St. Kitts
Mario Parry of Nevis
2022 FIFA nominees are:
Referee
Shandor Wilkinson (female)
Assistant Referees
Lenroy Parris
Ulinda Warner (female)
Tyra Wilkinson (female)
Malcolm Ramsey has been the head of refereeing in St. Kitts and Nevis for the past four years and a FIFA Referee instructor for the last 10 years.
Ramsey also used the opportunity to express gratitude to former SKNFA President, Anthony Johnson and his executive, for giving him the opportunity to become a Referee Assessor in 2011.
He also pays homage to the former chairman of the SKNFA referee committee, Mr. Corneil Williams for the commitment shown to the development of referees in the federation.
He wishes him well in all of his endeavors.
He further salutes the efforts of the first head of refereeing in St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Troy BIFF Mills.
He showers praises on the SKNFA staff, and FIFA regional Fitness Instructor, Mr. Masefield Nisbett and all of the local instructors and Assessors in St. Kitts, including newly appointed FIFA MA Technical Instructors: Kendrea Tully and Kenni Martin, for their hard work, commitment and dedication, over the years.
Mr. Ramsey also had a special message for all of the referees in the federation:
“I encourage you to keep working hard. Believe in yourself and depend on God for guidance.
Remember, ‘success is not a destination, but a journey.’”
He closed the interview by stating:
“I pledge my continued support towards the development of referees in St. Kitts and Nevis and I welcome the new executive, led by Atiba Harris and the newly appointed Referee committee chairman, Mr. John Burgan.
I look forward to working with this new executive, as we continue to develop refereeing and Football (the game we love) and build a better future.
Again, to God I give all of the glory and praise!”