Thank you for the inspiration Christy. Keep strong and may God bless you now and always.

Raoul, thank you. Sometimes it feels like we are drowning in those who have no absolute standards. They are so loud. For years now it has seemed that no one who has any regard for their integrity would risk it by consenting to any public office. Ken Gordon has. His defence of his decisions are to be admired and encouraged. A good example to others who care for the long term development of Trinidad & Tobago.

Charlie Griffith will forever live in the memory of those of us who saw him bowl from 1963 onwards. It was a time when it was taken for granted in the UK that the West Indies team would lose.

Charlie epitomised the courage and defiance of the poor black man who performed at his best despite all attempts to push him down. When you saw him after an attack in the UK press it was "fire in their tail". From afar a similar attack on Hall would have the effect of those massive shoulders going down and an outward expression of depression. Charlie bowled faster and better.

The author of this article has done him another disservice.

Charlie thank you for helping this 16 year old to stand up to racism in a UK school. There are those of us who do not say so publicly but remember you with affection. A million thank you are not enough. I for one am very happy to know that you are still alive and saying it as it was.

This is a sincere tribute to a great man. It is a pity that it cannot be appreciated as such. John Spence for decades did exactly what Gregory says he did for him.

Gregory there are still those of us who follow in John and Desmond's mould. Their bodies have been laid to rest but other labourers are following their spirit, though not as publicly.

Take care and enjoy your day

Thank you for an excellent article. Arrogance and excellence are not inextricably linked. In fact they are really the opposites of each other. Those who are honest know that their hard work changed a great gift from promise to performance. By being humble and keeping the focus on the Giver of the gift we receive more gifts. To those who succeed, well done, to those who have yet to succeed, better luck next time. Thank you again

I am sorry but the gross generalisations are put downs to all Caribbean people. The most basic thing is respect for the person being addressed. We can change cultural norms. Each culture is coping with the limitations of its norms.

I agree with your comments on authoritative parenting oracle2011. However, it is a pity that you ended with a put down on all Trinidadians.

Experience confirms that wisdom is the result of a unique blend of experience and knowledge. Highly intelligent and educated parents are today amongst the most unwise where their children are concerned. They are ignorant and do not know it because of their certification in other fields. It is quite possible that there are less wise parents around today than there was 30 years ago whilst the number of university graduates has increased dramatically.

Thank you for the good sense which is not common. Whatever a responsible adult does with respect to children will bring that person criticism. It is part of the territory. A good rule of thumb is to be ecf: equitable, consistent and firm. There is an alternative to authoritarian and permissive, it is authoritative. The boundaries are laid down and the penalties for crossing the line are very clear.

For those who read the bible a good example is Samuel and Eli. God told Eli I will tear down your house because you have honoured your sons before me. When Eli grew old his sons abused his position as high priest. Eli did nothing about God's prophesy. God did tear down his house. When Samuel grew old his sons did the same thing. Samuel went to God and God told him what to do. It came down to Samuel on one side and the whole of Israel including Samuel's sons on the other side.

How many parents have the courage of Samuel? Parents fail their children when they set out to be their best friend. My child is my child particularly when he or she is wrong. They are WRONG and it has to be privately and public acknowledged that they are WRONG.