By
Jean-Claude Bailey &
Ronald César
(CCH-FSCAA)

Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Gérald "Gerry" Jean attended the Brothers of Sacred-Heart primary school Pope Jean XXIII from Kindergarten until he transferred to the secondary extension of the same school widely known as Canado-Haitian College. He immigrated to the United States in 1975 and attended College where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. However, driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, he developed an affinity for financial services and served in various communities as a Real Estate agent and an insurance provider. In 1993, He joined the ranks of Primerica Financial Services and was soon promoted to Regional Vice-President responsible for a crew of 300 associates whom he has trained in that particular endeavor. At the same time, Gérald still manages to create a little time serving as a valued advisor on the CCH-FSC Alumni Association’s board of directors.

Like most boys in Haiti, Gérald started kicking a ball at a very early age which naturally developed as a passion for the game. In 1968-1969, he participated in a few training sessions at Pope Jean XXIII School under the tutelage of Fito Louidhon, a former great midfielder of the Haitian National Team and the Racing Haitian Club. Rapidly, Gerry’s skills emerged and were noticed by a then classmate Dr. Hérold Duroseau who convinced him to join the Under-15 (cadets) of 1969-1970 for the annual inter-school championship. He then met Mr. Frank Civil, one of the greatest coaches in Haitian Soccer history.

His career really took off in his second season with the Under-15 (1970-1971) and subsequently with the Under-17 (juniors) of 1971-1972. In the interim, he had already been enlisted in the 3rd division of the Victory Soccer Club (Summer 1971) - again under the guidance of the humble Frank Civil. He got promoted to the 2nd division that same year where he only played five games. In 1972, he ascended to the 1st Division as a right winger and played his 1st match against the Racing Haitian Club where he made it truly difficult for the late great defender Arsene Auguste (World Cup 1974). Eventually, he became one of the top midfielders of Victory and made it to the Junior National Team along with fellow Canado-Haitian College and Victory Soccer Club companions Charles Vorbe, Fritz Bernier and Rafael Alexis. One of his greatest achievements was with the sensational Victory Club of year 1975 with teammates such as Dr. Rafael Alexis, Ronald Pun (both of Canado), Jean-Michel Malenkow, Misolo Crispin, Garry Perrin, Yves Joseph, Edward Carasco and Nono Jean-Baptiste.

Upon arriving in the US in August of 1975, he joined the Dalmatinac Club (A Yugoslavian team) in the Super League and largely contributed to The Piquets Soccer Club in the Haitian Summer League with the likes of Theo Jean-Baptiste, Rony Pierre etc. Then, he joined the ranks of the Washington Diplomats in the former NASL (North American Soccer League) where he teamed up with Johan Cruyff (Ajax of Amsterdam and Holland National Team of 1974). As an old timer, he performed with the German-Hungarian Over 30 League which featured past legends like Nelsi Morais, Carlos Alberto (Santos of Brazil, New York Cosmos, the Brazilian National Team of 1970) and Edner Breton, one of Haiti’s finest forwards (Blousons Rouges, Racing Haitian Club, Haitian National Team and Detroit Cougars). Furthermore, in 1991, he was instrumental in taking to Haiti the “Giants of Brazil” team featuring at that time international stars such as Zico and Luis Pereira.

Gerry’s contribution to Football/Soccer has been magnificent. He still practices with the New York Masters and plays with Baldwin Soccer Team during the Winter Season. His dream is to become a Player-Agent and return the favor of his good fortune by facilitating young talents to achieve professional status. A great communicator, he enjoys doing good deeds for his fellow human beings and always has a kind word for anyone. Gérald is a New York resident. He is the proud father of two daughters Christy, a College Professor, Sabina and a son Jerremy.