He is known as the silent, smiling assassin. This is not the man in a kilt that we are still in search of to find a design, that can find favour with the population of T&T. So it was no surprise over the years to listen as he was described as the most polite soldier ever known in the Defense Force.
Nothing it seemed could bother this man. I have never seen him angry when he is involved in sports and such is his skill, he could represent T&T in at least two disciplines.
Roger Daniel is a hard task master. He set himself certain goals and he was not pleased with his early foray into these Games. He believes he could and must do better. He is a fighter, one of many I meet daily on this team and his leadership qualities are tremendous given his quiet demeanor. He never appears daunted and is always willing and eager to move on and continue the battle. There is a man of steel here and we should make more use of his skills.
Daniel's battle with his many obstacles over the years would ruin lesser men, but he has understood that men who pretend to be giant in sports funding distribution are eventually made into dwarfs with fangs showing over time. History is full of them. This is one problem that Scottish authorities have ensured their athletes are not disturbed by. It is a pity this is not properly understood in T&T.
It would have been hard to imagine that the Games would have such an anticipation and excitement over boxing and judo but the noise that emanated from both match venues, drew my attention even before the bouts involving Michael Alexander and Aaron Prince.
I watched as boys, girls, aunts, uncles, dads, mums, boyfriends, girlfriends, school mates and even elderly folk in wheelchairs or with walking sticks made their way to these venues to appreciate their sport of choice.
When you watched Alexander and Prince, there was something in their spirit and movement I had not seen in a while in boxing in this country.
Perhaps, it is the team management at the venue in Reynold Cox and Floyd Trumpet. There was a noticeable change of attitude and freedom of expression. In fact, Prince fought with a smile that I remembered Sugar Ray Leonard, and realised in any sport, if you as an athlete are happy, contended and have peace of mind, you can succeed.
Boxing needs Prince and Alexander to not only succeed but to excel. They have an opportunity to lead resurrect boxing's image in this country, a rich tradition that needs emancipation.
All of this may be timely. One is named Prince so he can easily become a King, while the other is named Alexander, who we all know was great . I told you history in boxing is good.
The good news is that I was able to finally place my bet. In a couple of days, I would have some extra funds in my pocket, which could assist in me getting a wonderful meal and a quality woolen kilt.
I am wondering which one of these athletes would dare wear a kilt in T&T?