I do not know the writer of the following letter from Adam. In fact one of the only two people I ever knew in Australia was the late Unity pastor, Anthony Habib, whom I was shocked to find out, from one of those ’memoriam’ ads died more than a year ago, the question still living in my mind is how was it possible for somebody whom I had known as a close friend from our days in Fatima could have died and been buried without my knowing, ’’Habib’ (which is what I always called him) was bright, literate and one of the most mirthful men I have ever met-as his flock on that house of reflective worship on Abercromby Street was sure to have found out, he having returned home and re-called to Unity service.

Then there was Mike Agostini who, although he has made his home all these many years in Australia couldn’t possibly count as Australian, the man having flown Trinidad and Tobago’s flag (oops!) in many an international meet, a pioneer on the track that has led to the likes of Crawford, Boldon, Thompson, Mike not unlike Tony in the zest they both shared for a witty line and a hearty laugh, both men, I would think, bound to have met during their time ’down under’, yours truly wishing not only that they did meet but also that, somehow, he had been invited to the party to laugh the head off some frothing mug of Australian beer. But before, I reminisce you to death here’s the letter:

’Dear Mr Smith.

I am writing on my return to Australia from India to compliment the Trinidad and Tobago cricket team on their fantastic performance at the Airtel 20/20 Champions league held in India in October.

I feel compelled to write this because what I witnessed was a class performance both off and on the field. I was fortunate enough to be in India on business and staying at the same hotel as the team in Hyderabad, where I came into contact with the men off and on during my stay.

I hadn’t heard of many of the players before , only Dwayne Bravo’s name comes to mind but I am left with a huge sense of respect for those young men who stunned the world with their national pride, team work and natural ability.

I must remark on the way the entire contingent conducted themselves in the hotel, the politeness, warmth, and general good manners they showed to the other guests at the hotel when everyone was trying to get their attention and be part of their growing fame. I am not an old man but it does bring back that sense of community and brotherhood we once witnessed in times gone by.

 I was also witness to the bond created within the team by both the captain and the ever present manager who was always surrounded by the players who obviously looked to him for support and direction. It was clear to all of us who watched these young marvels that there was a great bond between the manager and the team. I personally feel that this camaraderie and disciplined approach was the catalyst that led to their glowing performance. Each man playing for the entire team. More teams should be so fortunate to have players so committed to the game and each other and such a strong leader for a manager.

My business group often looked at the team as they met for meals each day and discussed how we would use what we saw to improve our own management teams performance. It was a delight to see such young men get it right at such an young age. When older more experienced men like myself and my team can take example from young men I know we have a lot to look forward to.

They all ate together, I noticed one moment where a team member was a bit late and all members waited for him to sit down then they all ate as a group. Each morning as I waited in the lobby for my driver to arrive I would see the professionalism displayed by all of the guys as their waited for the bus or communicated with the growing media presence. It was all handled with grace, professionalism and courtesy. It is no wonder this team performed so well. Well done.

Their manager was careful to let them enjoy their victories and channelled their natural Caribbean buoyancy and enthusiasm toward their ultimate goal.

I had a chance to talk to one or two of the players at the hotel who all spoke of their close friendship they had with their manager and that he was a very strong source of strength and stability in the team.

One impression that rang through was the belief each player had in himself and the team and this showed in every aspect of their time with us. They all held their heads high, laughed and kidded each other and everyone to the man represented their team and country well

As I wrap up this letter I would like to say to the team, well played young men. To the captain Darren Ganga, you are exemplary. Your demeanour is of a man who will achieve great things. I look forward to following your career.

To the manager, in charge of the support staff, your stewardship has been quietly professional, exacting and above all done with calm and purpose. Continue the good work, as this team is not only a cricketing unit but also a family and ambassadors of the Caribbean Community. I am sure I am not the only fan who look forward to seeing this team bring back the flair and confidence that we once all witnessed when the West Indies ruled the game

 Edward Perkins   

Perth, WA’

I end as I ended one my ’Champions League’ column with the observation that one had to judge a country by the showings of its best people, the Trinidad and Tobago team so lauded here by Mr Perkins not an exception to the norm, as some might think, but that best self of ours which has been pushing to get out, constrained as it continues to be by leaders and even exemplars who do not have the confidence either in themselves or in us to encourage us to be the best that we can be by loosening the chains that continue to bind us 50 years on on the road to Independence, the confident commitment displayed by Ganga and his ’good boy’ gang waiting to be reflected in the national mirror. Thank you, Mr Ed, and nuff said.