Former Inspirational National Player Laid to Rest

By Flynn Bush

On Saturday, a young Caymanian was laid to rest; a kind, passionate soul whose flame burned out too soon. Cayman is a small country and, as such, has a finite amount of talent. Now, due to a tragic traffic accident on September 24th, the pool is diluted even more.

Jessus Ebanks was the kind of person who made all of his coaches proud to say they coached him. He was talented, coachable, humble, and enthusiastic and these attributes were infectious as he seemed to lift the level of those around him. He was also an entertainer and was a joyful person. Greg Ebanks, Elite Sports Club founder and coach said, “I will most miss his humor and his friendship and lively nature that he shared with us.” Whomever is asked what they will miss about Jessus, the reply would be similar. If that person knew Jessus, they would say they liked him and that he was a one-of-a-kind individual.

Jessus started his football playing days as a young boy in primary school. He moved through the different levels, shining and improving at each one. As he moved through the football scene in Cayman, he ended up playing for such clubs as Future, Elite, Scholars, Sunset, and Boca. Before his athletic career was complete, he managed to achieve heights that few others across the world get to. Due to his hard work and determination, he was able to play internationally for the Cayman Islands National Team; for a semi-professional team in California; and for the King University team as well. Undoubtedly, wherever he played, he left an indelible mark on others.

It is an irony of sorts that, not more than a few weeks prior to his death, Jessus had approached Greg Ebanks about his desire to come back as a coach for the younger players. He told Greg that he wanted to give back to his community, and to help others the way that he had been helped. Sadly, it was not to be.

One of his former coaches, Roy “Huta” Ebanks, always says, “We are in the business of developing good people and citizens; not just football players.” Well, Jessus Ebanks was the epitome’ of that aspiration. He was an outstanding person, a talented player, a model citizen, a great friend and family member, and an inspiration to others. Today, we as individuals mourn Jessus Ebanks, alongside his family and friends, because of the person he was and how he will be missed. Today, we as a country also mourn Jessus Ebanks because the Cayman Islands has lost a bright and shining star and our community is that much darker, because of his absence. May your soul rest in peace, Jessus. You have made your mark, and will be remembered forever.