God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble–Psalm 46:1
On Sunday (March 24) at NAPA Hotel, I had the distinct privilege of attending the T&T launch of a book on the life of Sir Wesley Hall. The name of the book is "Answering the Call".
It was inspiring and motivating listening to the speakers who included Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Independent Senator Sunity Maharaj, who gave a review of the book, Chair of the book launch organising committee Dinanath Ramnarine, Sir Wes and his daughter Dr Kerry Hall.
The former great fast bowler, WI selector, WI president, senator, Barbados government minister, and Pentecostal minister is an icon in T&T for his years spent in the late 60s while he was employed at Witco setting up the Wes Hall Cricket League, and then working alongside Father Gerard Pantin in Servol. Sir Wes during this period played cricket with the Harvard Club. An involvement he told me he holds close and dear to his heart and treasures.
Sir Wes has always answered the call even when asked by his captain to bowl a 40-over spell.
I had a brief conversation with the legend on Sunday and something he said to me really touched and inspired me as did his honesty, humility, determination and perseverance along with his concern for the young people in T&T. Readers may recall that Sir Wes worked alongside Father Pantin in Servol and it's in that respect one must put in context his long-standing focus on young people.
His life's work has been shaped by his willingness to always answer the call. It's an attitude that can serve as a guide to all of us involved in sport on the twin-island Republic.
Sunday's event was timely. This week is Holy Week for the Roman Catholics it's also the second week of Ramadan for those of the Muslim faith. The significance during this time of deep introspection is not to be underestimated as we reflect on the state of our country.
An aspect of modern life is the amplification of what in sports we call "trash talk". Trash talk has been accepted in sports as "part of the game". In these times that we live in social media has made trash talk visible and vocal. It's loud and very loud at that. But the move away of trash talk from the field of play has resulted in an environment of cruelty and mean-spirited dialogue that is not conducive to an environment of positivity. Some are more adept at being cruel, mean and toxic than others.
Recently, I had to tell someone: "You are responsible for everything you say, and what you say goes a long way in defining who you are". We have to be careful about using words that aren't carefully thought out. Our words come from within us. The words that come out of your mouth matter. What people hear you say will tell them a lot about who you are. It's not only what you do for others or the way you live your life but your words. That's why I said earlier my brief conversation with Sir Wesley was an inspiration and motivation.
Congratulations to the T&T Indoor hockey team on their World Cup qualification. It's their third FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup.
Well done, coach Raphael Govia and team. You all answered the call.
To thine own self be true–Hamlet.