Tanti at the Oval by Paul Keens-Douglas

Tanti at The Oval by Paul Keens-Douglas

Paul Keens-Douglas is a Trinidad born, self-published author with a background in Theatre and Creative Arts. The piece in use, called “Tanti at de Oval” was adapted from Mr Keens-Douglas’ book, titled “Tanti at de Oval: Selected Works of Paul Keens-Douglas” was published in 1992. It gives readers a peek into the life and culture of Caribbean society and its people; with respect to the way in which cricket acts as a foundation of cohesion to the people, as well as acting as a showcase towards Caribbean people’s passion and attitude not only towards the sport, but to each other on the whole. Also on the table is the issue of a generation gap and gender contrast between the narrator and Tanti Merle herself as is masterfully and comically told in the piece.

Cricket in the Caribbean is more than a sport. In many cases, it is a way of life. Many of us grow up not only playing the sport from the tenderest of ages, but also spectating in every sense of the word; be it street matches, village or community matches, county matches, all the way up to internationally; friendly or competitive. Cricket is in our blood. Nobody can be more passionate than a West Indian about the majestic and lovely game – the Gentleman’s game, to be exact; and for the best of reasons.

The West Indian team dominated international cricket. The first and second World Cup tournaments, played in England in 1975 and 1979, saw all opponents pulverized by the West Indies under the captaincy of the great Clive Lloyd who lead the side to victory on both occasions and to the final of the third cup in 1983, where the Caribbean side lost to India in the final by a tormenting forty three runs. Nevertheless, the West Indian domination continued, and the side produced and was carried by greats such as Courtney Walsh, Sir Viv Richards, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Frank Worrell, Ian Bishop and Brian Lara, just to name a few. Our fore parents were most passionate about the...