Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor
His schoolmates and past students of Holmwood Technical High School found him an exciting young batsman during the days when he played Headley Cup cricket in the cool hills of Christiana, Manchester.
As he blossomed on the international scene, Ricardo Powell was described as a "clean striker of the ball." When he failed to live up to Test cricket expectations, he was hailed as a one-day cricket specialist. His career went in limbo thereafter with some very low scores, and now he plays for his adopted home team - Trinidad. But for Powell, there's even more exciting life beyond cricket, and he has found it with wife Alicia and three year-old son Ricardo Justin Powell Jr.
Powell and his wife, who are owners and publishers of the increasingly popular Caribbean magazine, Basia, were in the island for the opening of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. He sat down with Flair in a candid interview about his career, future plans and reason for choosing to live in Trinidad.
Vision
Alicia John-Powell, Ricardo and young Ricardo Justin Powell Jr. - Contributed
After being in the furniture business for a few years, Powell's wife, Alicia John-Powell, got the vision to start Basia. The name means 'daughter of God'. The company started in 2003 but actual publishing began in May 2005 and the first magazine was released in August that same year.
"The name came to me in a vision. It's been a struggle to build from scratch so now I want to see it in all the countries of the world," Alicia said with all the fervour of a mother speaking about her precious child. It's amazing to the couple how fast the publication has taken off, and even moreso the latest 'offspring' Basia Sports Magazine.
The first issue, featuring fast bowler Courtney Walsh on the cover, hit the stands just over a month ago, and all vital signs point to a long and healthy life.
"Building a business takes faith and unconditional love but we refuse to think about failure, Alicia told Flair.
Basia Sports Magazine is designed to highlight and project the achievements of the Caribbean's most talented sportsmen and women, hence the Walsh cover.
"It will be published twice yearly," Powell said, "January and July."
So how did they decide on a personality for the cover of the first issue? Powell said it was a toss up between Brian Lara and Courtney Walsh, but being Jamaican and because the final decision was his, Walsh won out. "Both men are respected regionally but like me, Walsh is Jamaican, and in any case, our great sportsmen and women are under-utilised when it comes to magazine covers internationally, so we are aiming to change that," the St. Elizabeth-born right-handed batsman said.
So, while other publications continue to focus on sporting greats elsewhere in the world, Basia will encompass the region. Finding material for both magazines is not a challenge. Basia Magazine is a potpourri of fashion, beauty, weddings, lifestyle, events, financial advice, food and entertainment while Basia Sports Magazine is just that - sports.
Control freak
Readership spreads among the following countries: Cayman, Bermuda, St. Martin, Guatemala and all English-speaking Caribbean islands, as well as New York and Florida in the United States of America. There are nine full-time members of staff, plus some permanent contributors and several writers drawn from around the region. Alicia, who describes herself as a control freak, studied politics, human resources, marketing and business administration and is in full control.
"I hold a tight rein on the layout and Ricky decides on what goes into sports," Alicia said as she sat snuggled close to her main man.
With two publications that cover several islands, the couple is kept very busy with intra-regional travel. They visit Jamaica at least three times yearly, but having lived in Jamaica since 1995, Alicia knows her way around. And, Powell gets to spend time with his parents and daughter while here too.
Powell's decision
Jamaican cricketer-turned-magazine publisher, Ricardo Powell with his Trinidadian wife Alicia John-Powell. - Contributed
The much talked about move to Trinidad was entirely Powell's decision. Many people think he moved there because his wife is Trinidadian.
"My life outside of the Jamaica Cricket Board and the West Indies Cricket Board was not respected. I was once suspended for indiscipline because during an out-of-town training camp, my wife came to spend a weekend with me that included Valentine's Day. I did not play much after that, I felt disenchanted and my career went downhill. I was making fairly good money but I could not get a mortgage without a contract," Powell said, adding that at the time he had a son on the way, a daughter plus a wife, and had to think of the future. "I decided to make it family first and now my priorities include our business."
But he said he had been getting offers from Trinidad before the move and continues to have tremendous opportunities in his adopted home. "I was welcomed with open arms. Don't get me wrong, cricket opened many doors for me for which I will always be grateful," he said.
Personal development
With 109 international one-day games under his belt, Powell says he's not focused on the game much now. Instead, he wants to see the magazines reach the standard of Ebony or higher. "We are committed to being number one in the Caribbean, we have enough personalities for covers of each issue well into the future," Powell said.
And as far as their personal development goes, both have radio and television programmes with Powell's being a pre-recorded Caribbean sports programme which kicked off on Monday March 19 (IETV cable). It is a half-hour interview feature with past and present sports greats. He also does some sports commentary for local radio and television stations in Trinidad.
Alicia also has a television show - Miss Match, that helps men and women find love.
She maintains that so far in their relationship, nothing was easy except loving and having each other. "But through all the hard times, God was there; we always knew that whatever happened, we could start over even in a one-room house. We have a no-way out contract with each other, we are in this together for the long run."
