Lara fans wait in the rain

EAGER fans of West Indies captain Brian Lara yesterday afternoon waited patiently in a heavy downpour to see their hero, even while he was being entertained at the Piarco International Airport. From the huge stage erected on the Brian Lara Promenade, opposite Salvatori Building, music blared from a sound system, as the decorative lights on the Promenade were turned on, illuminating dazzling lights under the cloudy, dark skies.

A number of persons had gathered to witness the grand celebrations planned, including several school children, when, at around 3 pm, a heavy shower caused them to scamper for cover under umbrellas and awnings of the fast food outlets and Salvatori Building. Some persons were eagerly talking about waiting to see Lara, while others were seen heading toward City Gate.

There was a heavy presence of uniformed police officers both on horse- back and in a police bus keeping watch. It was anticipated that as the rains stopped, the crowd would grow for the expected arrival of  Lara and the motorcade at 4.30 pm. However, the cricketing star did not leave the airport until shortly after 4 pm, and then travelled along the Eastern Main Road en route to the Promenade.