The roaring Tiger

Mar 18, 2009 Features / Columnists

The Parrot squawked in the past about the achievements on Shivnarine “Tiger” Chanderpaul. Sad to say the same cannot be said of the West Indies team as a whole. “Tiger” has reached cricketing heights no other Guyanese has reached. His exploits in the game have made him the Guyanese with the highest Test runs aggregate; third in the region behind Lara and Sobers. He is the first Guyanese to receive the International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) Cricketer of the year award and is currently the world’s number one Test batsman.
These are achievements that one can only dream of. However, it does show that some dreams can be realised. In fifteen years, he has elevated himself from his humble upbringing in Unity to being a resident of Florida, USA. From using a coconut branch as a bat, he now uses the best brands in the world. From being tutored by his father, he is now an example to the world. Who, other than Shiv, would have believed that a frail barefooted lad traversing the shores of Unity with a coconut branch and a makeshift ball, would have been given a hero’s welcome as he prepares to play at home?
Shiv has done much for Guyana. He has made us proud. He has given us a reason to still look at West Indies’ pathetic cricket over the years. He has helped to make Guyana a household name in cricketing circles across the world. He has kept the Golden Arrowhead fluttering in stands in various grounds where international cricket is played. Together with Ramnaresh Sarwan, they have provided some memorable moments in the globally growing sport. These two are representative of the rich legacy of Guyanese cricketers over the years; cricketers who have left an indelible mark on the game’s history. At least twice in its history, seven members of the West Indies team were Guyanese!
While the West Indies won the recent series against England and the celebrations are in order, the Parrot is not optimistic that the team has indeed “turned the corner” as touted by some experts. The team flattered to deceive in the past. I would be more cautious in my analysis. I would want the team to dominate as they did in the past; dominated under the captaincy of another Guyanese; Clive Hubert Lloyd. I would venture to say that the recent win is a good sign and I hope that consistency would prevail. Ronnie Sarwan dominated with the bat in the recent Test series win and the 20/20 duel; Guyanese talent at its best. One can only hope that this marks the real beginning of what Ronnie can deliver.
It was so fitting for the hero’s welcome afforded to Shiv last Monday. The organisers must be commended. The Parrot, and I am sure all Guyanese, hope that he will be fit enough to grace the cricket fields for a few more years. As he prepares for that and the two matches scheduled for Guyana, let’s roar with the Tiger.
Not being in possession of a ticket due to their being sold out, I will resort to a coconut branch and a bumper-ball on the beach to pass the time. Never know how my dreams may turn out! Squawk! Squawk!

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