Pearly and Bunty's Son

Brian Lara and I have quite a lot in common. Apart from the obvious fact that he copied my batting technique and style, we both come from large families and know how to party.

The tenth of 11 children, Lara’s achievements with the bat have overshadowed the charismatic and caring nature of his personality. Although it is difficult to resist the temptation to delve into the dazzling Lara batting statistics, it’s about time we focus the spotlight on the man, as opposed to the batsman.

I was happy to receive an invitation from Lara to ring in the new year at his home. Having already made plans, I almost declined the invitation. Having considered the predicament for a full three seconds, I realised it would be bordering on the sinful for me to deprive Lara of the chance to meet an unheralded and unsung batting hero like myself, and hence decided to attend.

It was the mother of all Old Year’s Night parties. Set against the backdrop of the imposing Lara mansion on the hill, guests were greeted by the awesome sight of four tall palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights.

Each guest was personally welcomed by Lara. It was a small and intimate gathering. Event manager Lisa Ghany outdid herself this time by creating a trendy but glitzy ambience, highlighted by iridescent blue and silver table cloths and matching overhead lamps complemented by stunning centrepieces on each table.

Strangers immediately turned into friends over fine food and drink.

Valene Maharaj and her regional competition all looked good, but the star of the night for me was the simply-dressed petite Tisha from Lopinot who, with her winning smile and sexy dance moves, naturally charmed her way into Brian’s heart.

While I stalked his ex, the beautiful Leasel Rovedas, I regretted not upgrading my cricketing career beyond wind ball and coconut bat.

Highlight of the night was a short speech by Lara that gave a rare personal glimpse of the real man. Up close and personal, Lara was the son every mother and father dreamt of.

In an interview in The Independent newspaper in London, Lara explained that he had agreed to endorse an exhibition of his achievements at Lord’s for two reasons. Celebrating his achievements was the second. The first was to make people aware of the foundation set up in memory of his parents, the Pearl and Bunty Lara Foundation.

“The foundation is in my parents’ name,” he explained. “It is about six years old and it is fuelled by the characteristics of my parents.

“My dad was outstanding with myself and my brothers and sisters. There were 11 of us and he had to provide for us all.

“My mother was less enthusiastic about cricket; she was more into caring. She was known as one of the mothers of the village I grew up in. She would invite any young kid into our house for food or anything she could offer.

“They were tremendous in our upbringing. It is just something we want to do to maintain their legacy.

“Over the years we have reached out to quite a few people. We have given money to cancer societies in Trinidad and to homes for the underprivileged.”

Lara has managed to retain a sense of defining humility and “down-to-earthness” that makes him easy to like. He is at ease by the corn soup vendor as he is receiving a doctorate from the Universities of Sheffield and Exeter.

He has quietly helped many sick children without publicity and his speech on the foundation and his appeal for more corporate sponsorship was sincere.

The work of the foundation is much-needed and has brought relief to many grateful parents and children in our society. Lara’s love for his parents, daughter and charity makes him the best role model for our youth who can only think about guns and violence.

Sponsors have come in all shapes, sizes and nationalities, as the legendary Lara has fan clubs all over the cricketing world. It is only a matter of time before the foundation establishes itself as a premier international charity headed by an international sporting icon.

Corporate sponsors should, therefore, get on board early and capitalise on supporting this worthy venture.

The spectacular fireworks display was not the highlight of the night for me; it was the sight of Lara dancing the night away in the arms of his beloved eight-year-old girl Sydney (so named as a tribute to Lara’s favourite ground, the Sydney Cricket Ground) in blissful oblivion.

She is a daddy’s girl and knows how to make him forget the world and experience the universe.

Proud Pearl and Bunty must smile, Brian, at your efforts to preserve their legacy.

By Anand Ramlogan 2008-01-06