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Ian 'Magic' Hughes
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Sunday, 11 March 2012 03:30
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By Ian Magic Hughes
Form is temporary but class is permanent. That stated, Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards, aka the Master Blaster, Smokey and the Bull is undoubtedly a “Class Act.”
In a 2004 ESPN poll participated in by 15 of the world’s leading names in cricketing history, Sir Vivian, Antigua & Barbuda’s living legend was voted the third greatest player behind Donald Bradman and Sir Garfield Sobers.
Similarly he was voted the second best batsman ever, behind Bradman as well as voted the greatest cricketer since 1970 ahead of Ian Botham and Shane Warne.
Of Sir Viv Wikipedia states:
“His fearless and aggressive style of play, and relaxed but determined demeanor made him a great crowd favourite and an intimidating prospect for opposition bowlers all over the world.
“The word "swagger" is frequently used to describe his batting style.
“His batting often completely dominated opposing bowlers.
“He had the ability to drive good-length balls from outside off-stump through midwicket, his trademark shot, and was one of the great exponents of the hook shot.”
Pure class.
Of all his exploits, 8540 runs decorated with 24 centuries in his career, Sir Vivian’s best shot however might have come off the field on Thursday as he chastised local politicians for alienating the country.
“We have been seriously divided in this country,” said Sir Vivian.
The former West Indies Test captain was speaking during a government sponsored dinner, honoring him on his 60th birthday held at the Sandals Grande Resort.
Commenting on a hot bottom issue bordered around government’s decision to purchase a 30-megawatt to be built by Chinese, dubbed the Wadadli Power Plant Sir Vivian was unapologetic.
“This is of vital importance and I don’t give a damn what you think of me after because I know what I am saying is God damn true,” he said.
The legend, who endorsed Finance Minister Harold Lovell when he ran for office in St. John’s Rural North and often criticized by members of the opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) told the guests that it’s time to put aside partisan politics for the benefit of the nation.
Since commissioning the Wadadli Power Plant, the government has come under tremendous pressure from the media and members of the opposition ALP who questioned the validity of the contract between government and the Chinese companies involved.
“I am not going to get into the argument about whether the generators are old or new,” said Sir Vivian.
“I am going to get to the point where I’m thinking as a nationalistic individual.
“The decision made, whether by Lester Bird or the Baldwin Spencer, I would thoroughly endorse it because it was of the best interest of Antigua & Barbuda.”
Sir Vivian who turned down an open checque to play in apartheid South Africa warned nationals including government officials not to be influence by the rich.
He emphasized the need to unite asking to leave behind those persons ‘who are small minded about the future of the country” noting they do not have the best interest of the country at heart.
On Wednesday Sir Vivian celebrated his birthday by participating in a golf tournament in support of “Breast Friends” an organization which raises money to aid women in need.
52 Comments In This Article
Savings EC 300M
Quote:..
tenman
Tenman
Savings EC 300M
Savings EC 300M - we actually losing
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tenman
@ Jumbee Picknee
SlyThatGuy
Tenman
for every million dollars you borrow at 2% you pay back just over 210,000 in interest. on the other hand for every million you borrow at 10% for the same period you pay back 1,300,000 for the same period. ie 20 years.
If you reduce the 20 years to 15 years for the 10% you will pay over 930,000,000/ million. This is still nearly 4.5 time the 2% loan. Which would you choose?
You are banking on the appreciation of the RMB to make your case against the loan. However, that news for you is not so good. Up to today the RMB depreciated. The Central Bank of China will endeavor to keep the appreciation and depreciation of the RMB in as narrow a range as possible. You can bet your last dollar on that.
APUA's operation cost of 60% of the power purchase agreement is not that far fetch. Check your sources and you will see.
Can you explain what jeb posted. Your assistance would be very much appreciated
Savings EC 300M
Icons
Viv..." warned nationals including government officials not to be influenced by the rich." That, after all, is more difficult to avoid, than to state. Viv was quite influenced by Stanford. I now picture him standing next to the RAS at the chest of "millions" at Lords. Welcome to the burdens of being a living national hero.
Tobi
The best interest of where or who?
ANTIGUAN WOMAN
Savings EC 300M - clarification
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tenman
RIGHT FORUM
Those who felt it was not the right forum, well it was his birthday and his moment, he seized it and said it.....instead of criticizing what he said perhaps take the time to actually hear what he said.
He is right...just that the power plant should be more in line with alternative energy etc in my view, and there are many ways to get to there.
Sadly there is not the vision or understanding in the circles that make such decisions of why it is absolutely crucial that the whole world changes the way we do thing as a matter of urgency.
Nemo
missing the point
And Sir Viv now that you have a sober moment , please tell us if our PM, Baldwin Spencer, is right to borrow monies without parliamentary approval. In my time in school, I have written hundreds of lines as punishment stating " where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise.
Sir Viv, I know you dont care a damn what I think, but we expect better of our only living national hero. You missed the point.
pedro
Savings EC 300M - wrong info
1. the 5 year moratorium on the EXIM bank loan and the added two which the government is certain to take. This makes the loan a 27 year loan not a 20 year loan.
2. Of major importance you ignore the APC deal (joint venture **see 2007 Budget statement) would have basically been a 55 45 split with government being a partner.(see UPP- Which People First, Ian Hughes, 0 November 2009, Caribarena)
3. The currency appreciation which is continuing to cost us.
4. After fifteen years the government would have obtained the APC equity making the plant fully owned by APUA
Based on these calculation your cost attributed to APC needs to be divided by at least 4 (around 2 due to it being a joint venture and around 2 again for it (APC joint venture) being for at least half the time of the Wadadli power plant loan -- 15 years vs 27 years) this would then mean its the APC deal which could have saved us at least 300 million.
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tenman
Get the facts
pedro
Saving ec$300M
lube and oil will cost another $.1; plus the captica; cost of at least $1.1.
so how you get savings?
jeb
@ SlyThatGuy
Jumbee Picknee
Harry Tenman Others
$630,720,000.00 Wadadly Power Plant own and operated by APUA including the 2% Loan payback
$420,480,000.00 Difference
Savings EC 300M
Test and saving ec $300M
Harry
@ Jumbee Picknee
SlyThatGuy
In Whose Interest
Test
Tenman
Savings EC 300M
Savings EC 300M - use your head
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tenman
Elder state's woman
Could you clarify your reference to people from Cedar Grove, Point and Grays Farm?
Jane
Saving EC $300M
Harry
...goldenn tears...
many a battle has been fought, some in vain; and, some for naught.
freedom comes at a price, even though some of the tactics may not be nice. Judge me not for the good that I have done, for, in time to come, I may yet be proven wrong. But, stand up firm, steadfast and strong and that, I know, I ave done and will do all day long; SS in hand, swagger in my stride, pride in my thoughts for I am, A LION, leader of a pride and my face I will not hide...STAND FIRM, STAND STRONG, STAND STEADFAST Sir Viv, as long as you live...IF ar u no want fu see war, NOT lakka idiots a rob fu penny-hairpny, talk but no touch, cause nuff armo behind him back...me garne
Jumbee Picknee
...goldenn tears...
Jumbee Picknee
Savings EC 300M - use your head (coorection)
"the difference if less could be defined as a saving"
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tenman
Tenman
Savings EC 300M
Savings EC 300M - use your head
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tenman
Let's take the shoe off of Sir Viv for a while.
Bluddy Bloke
Tenman
Savings EC 300M
@Savings EC 300M
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tenman
BEEF
Engine Man
@ Engine man
BEEF
Harry Fishing
Savings EC 300M
engine man
Harry
Elder state's woman
Jane
RE: Still the Master Blaster
Remember when you use to kill to go to cricket at ARG? Remember when the English commentators even use to admire the bats man even thou their team is playing against the bats man and you could hear the proudness in their voices for a member of their opponents.
Cricket will never be the same again. Thank you viv, whether you did anything after, i love how i felt then and you contributed to that/those feelings
my way of helping
@ Keith Crowe
If it was at all possible, I would have even more respect for this great man.
Don't call it "babbling", just because YOU didn't understand where he was coming from.
down to earth
RE: Still the Master Blaster
R. Bowen
Sir Viv, Kudos to you but be more tactful
Bluddy bloke
Beef
..
tenman
the watcher
..from the Pit
Beef
Engine Man
who paid
Baldhead
I respect Sir Viv
Harry
I love and respect Sir Viv
Harry
Hero Indeed!
Southern Beauty
Smith
John Smith
AMEN AND MORE AMEN
Quote:
OO7
My issue (part 3)
BEEF
My issue (part 2)
BEEF
My issue (part 1)
BEEF
Am lost
Keith crowe
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