“Tiger” flying de flag high

Jul 30, 2008 Features / Columnists

The Parrot was elated on reading that “Tiger” Chanderpaul is currently the world’s number one batsman in cricket. This is “feel good” news especially since he, “Tiger”, is “we own”.

I can only imagine the sense of accomplishment he feels and the sense of pride that permeates his family. I am sure that all “a’we” feel the same. We should.

The sight of a fragile looking lad with what seems as oversized batting pads and helmet walking to the wicket in 1994 to tremendous applause from a capacity filled Bourda ground and those perched on the trees outside, has been etched permanently in my memory, and I am certain it’s the same for those who witnessed it.

What was circulating in his mind as he took that momentous walk then, only he knows. As he took his now trademark “guard” using one of the bails, many, if not all, would not have envisaged that fourteen years later, that fragile looking lad would have become the strongman of West Indies cricket and eventually the number one man with a bat. Maybe at that time only he would have fostered such ambitions as he faced his first ball in tests.

Rewinding to the days prior to that historical walk, his walks were from his humble place of abode to the shorelines of Unity village.

There, according to reports, he played the game with the crudest of facilities; a bat carved out of a coconut branch, barefooted and an unhelpful wicket littered with refuse deposited by the mighty Atlantic.

That difficult situation helped to provide the will to nurture his relentless ambition to play at the highest level despite, what seemed then, as a mere dream.

He and his father somehow knew that the time spent on the shores of Unity would eventually translate into time spent in relaxation on other beaches in the Caribbean and the rest of the cricketing world.

In simple terms, “Tiger” never stopped dreaming. His hard work and sacrifices have paid off. His ascent up the cricketing ladder should be an inspiration to all, regardless of what their dreams may be.

What is sad is that his colleagues, especially those who were more fortunate than he, who were at the beginning of their dreams, have not shown the same level of commitment in an effort to ensure that the team savour the sweet taste of success they so longed for over the years.

If they did, then the time they all would spend on the various beaches now would be more meaningful and the accolades shared, rather than just centered on an individual.

Given the poor results of the team and “Tiger’s” outstanding contributions, the accolades are well deserved. The attention to his unprecedented achievement by his countrymen has led to another positive focus on Guyana by the international community.

We do not have fleet-footed athletes like Jamaica and other Caribbean countries and our chances at capturing a medal in Beijing seem remote; however, “Tiger’s” achievement, days prior to the Olympics and Carifesta X, has ensured that the Golden Arrowhead would flutter proudly as a sign of our accomplishments and appreciation.

The boy from Unity has surely united a nation. Keep roaring “Tiger”.
Squawk! Squawk!

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“Tiger” flying de flag high

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