KINGSTON, Jamaica – Local and international draft federations are still mourning the recent sudden death of Constable Wayne “Hardwayne” White, a popular police officer and draftee.
White, a former teacher who decided to leave teaching to join the Jamaica Constabulary (JCF), passed away at his home in Westmoreland and tributes have poured in to remember him for his immeasurable contribution to local football.
Assistant Director Germaine Delatibdier, a friend of White and fellow JCF member, said White’s death was a heartbreaking loss for himself and the entire draft community.
“I am still trying to come to terms with the fact that I will never again have the joy of talking to Hardwayne about the game we all loved so much,” said DSP Delathiveliere, president of the Ocho Rios Draft Club and executive director of the Jamaica Draft Association (JDA).
“His death has left a hole in our draft community that can never be filled. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace and may his memory continue to inspire us to cherish the time we spend with one another,” the DSP added.
“It’s really heartbreaking… It’s really shocking… Life is not promised to anyone. You may be here today and gone tomorrow,” said JDA president Sudian Sakram.
Former JDA chairman Hugh Hamilton said White’s passing was truly sad news and a great loss for the drafting community.
“We have lost a brother, a great friend, competitor and supporter. I am still at a loss for words as this has yet to come to a close. May he rest in peace,” he said.
Christopher ‘Iceman’ Wright, a member of the Montego Bay Draft Club, said, “We have lost an iconic figure; a teacher, a dedicated exemplary warrior, a motivator, an intellectual, a loyal and serious friend. I have lost one of my draft buddies. Words cannot express the sadness but I cannot help but take solace in accepting that he has gone to a better place.”
International Master Courtney Carlos Thompson added: “I am truly saddened, shocked and in tears. My condolences to my friend and brother.”
“On behalf of the American Pool Checkers Association, we extend our condolences to Wayne’s family, law enforcement officials and the JDA,” said Albert Harrison, president of the American Pool Checkers Association (APCA).
“Wayne was one of my first students. He had dreadlocks at the time but later shaved them off,” recalled world-renowned draft coach and Top Master Jake Kutcher.
Kutcher is a Russian player who moved to the US and competed in American Pool Checkers. He is the number one international draft instructor in Africa. He has also coached several Jamaicans and helped them take their game to a higher level.
Prior to joining the police force, White was a checkers enthusiast and has worked for several years to modernise Jamaica’s checkers game to international standards. His unparalleled expertise has earned him the prestigious titles of Top Master, Checkers Teacher and Westmoreland Checkers Champion.
White’s leadership as president of the Westmoreland Draft Club and past vice-president of the JDA inspired a new generation of players, and he was instrumental in studying the draft, analysing the game, identifying draft books and the best draft computer programs/software available, and sharing these with the wider draft community to advance the game.
He was the Jamaican player with the best win-loss percentage in the tournament against multiple national champions. White was also one of the top masters from around the world invited to participate in the APCA Championships to be held in Chicago on July 28, 2024.
