Antrizle. The name sounds funny. You can’t find it on any map. A Google search makes no difference. Where and what is Antrizle? It’s a tiny speck of a village on the east coast of the island of Dominica with a population of less than 700, but emerging from it is a rising star that just might cause mapmakers to reconsider giving it some space on the chart.
Kavem Hodge, who turned 20 earlier this year on 21 February, is a middle-order batsman and left-arm spinner. He is one of only two Under-23 picks in the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) draft for the St. Lucia Zouks franchise team and the youngest member of the team. When he began playing windball cricket on the beach in the seaside village where he grew up, he could not envisage a LCPL, let alone imagine that he would one day be drafted to play cricket for a franchise.
“At 5 years old, I was the youngest on the side. The other guys were much older and I was the wicket-keeper. Imagine that,” says Hodge. “I love to bat and bowl but I also enjoy wicket-keeping. I’m still the keeper when I play in the Castle Bruce league and for the Marigot team in the Northern T20 League. We would go to the beach on weekends and play cricket, swim, play cricket, swim and so on until we were tired. That was our passion. During the week it was the same. In primary school, we would play cricket before school started, during break, at lunchtime and after school. Sachin Tendulkar was my hero back then and still is. I would dream of playing cricket for the West Indies at the highest level. I lived and breathed cricket but never thought, in my wildest dreams, that I would be part of such a tournament.”
Now Hodge is living the dream and on 30 July at the LCPL opening match against the Barbados Tridents, he will breathe some of his youthful energy and enthusiasm into the St Lucia Zouks.
He was born in Roseau, the capital of Dominica, but moved to Antrizle with his mother and his older sister to live with his maternal grandmother and grandfather, the latter a cricketer himself. A few years later his grandparents moved temporarily to the US to live with their daughter; his mother joined his stepfather in the UK; and his sister moved to Antigua. In the blink of an eye but only for a split second, 11-year old Kavem was homeless. However, his uncle took him in, followed by a neighbour and other good Samaritans until his grandparents returned. Five years later he met his father for the first time.
All along it was cricket that kept him going. He says he will never forget the first time that Claudius Sanford placed a “hard ball” in his hand, which put him on the path that led to where he is today.
“Mr. Sanford was a coach who went around to the primary schools in our area identifying persons to play in the Under-13 East Zone League. He recognised my talent and introduced me to the hard ball. He gave me my first chance to play in the Under-13 Zone League.”
He was one of the chosen few. From representing the eastern part of the island, Hodge went on to represent his country at the Under-13 and Under-15 levels. As captain of the Under-15 for the Windward Islands, he led the team to victory, something they hadn’t tasted in 10 years. At the age of 17, he was the first West-Indian to attend the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy in Australia and the only one to receive a full three-month scholarship from the Academy, while others were participating through their local associations. At the Under-19 level he has represented Dominica, the Windward Islands and the West Indies, playing in India, Dubai and at the Youth World Cup 2012 in Australia. By the third year of playing for the Under-19 Windwards team, Hodge was voted MVP but for him, the CPL is like the icing on the cake.
When he found out that he was drafted, he did not believe it.
“There was such a long list and I had no control over whether I was picked so I was practicing in the nets at school and Akeem Dewar, who was selected for the Jamaica franchise, came to tell me that I was picked. I thought he was just pulling my leg so I didn’t take him on and then another player told me and I still didn’t believe. It was not until one of the UWI coaches showed me the tweet from LCPL which said I was picked that I believed. I felt a sense of relief and a whole lot of excitement at the same time.”
Hodge is once again one of the chosen few and when he puts on the blue uniform of the Zouks, he says it will be with a sense of pride and privilege.
“I am getting goose bumps just talking about it. To be part of such a tournament and to wear the same team colours with the likes of Darren Sammy, Herschelle Gibbs, Tamim Iqbal and Albie Morkel is a great honour,” said Hodge enthusiastically. “I am sure I will be nervous but I will also be very proud. I will be a true ambassador for my country, the Windward Islands, the St. Lucia franchise and LCPL and I am going to play my part. Everybody understands their role and each other’s strengths and we just have to stay focused and keep our eyes on the prize. I will do my best.”
Hodge says he is focused on the task ahead yet cannot help but look back and acknowledge individuals such as Emmanuel Nanthan, Dr. Donald Peters, Gifford Walsh, Jeff Pierre, the Cavaliers team and the late Tom La Fond who all assisted in his upbringing, helped him to believe in himself and/or opened their homes to him when he was going to the Dominica State College and needed somewhere to stay in town.
“I will be forever grateful to all of these people. Mr. La Fond encouraged me at every opportunity, telling me to take the game seriously, put in the work and to value my wicket. I’m also thankful to my grandparents for letting me live with them. They showered me with love, instilled discipline in me, taught me respect, kept me on the right path and didn’t hesitate to use the rod,” he professed sheepishly.
His grandfather, Nicholas Laville, didn’t live to see the day that his grandson takes to the field in this inaugural tournament but Hodge knows that he’s smiling now and his grandmother, Victoria Laville, will be watching and waiting, waiting for him to come home. As soon as the LCPL is finished he wants to visit her in Antrizle before he gets back to his studies in Sports Science at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados where he is on a full scholarship.
Hodge says he is happiest when he is playing cricket but a close second is swimming, followed by hiking. For him these additional activities are a combination of fun and fitness training. He urges all young people that have a dream to work towards it, to understand that sacrifices must be made and to do the right thing consistently. He is obviously grounded, resolute in his belief that young people need more guidance and self-belief, and that anything worth having is worth working hard for and that everything happens for a reason. As a result, he has valued each and every experience in his life thus far and wouldn’t change a thing.
From humble beginnings to the prestigious LCPL, Kavem Hodge is clearly a keeper in every sense of the word.
The truth is you are part of us and i know that you have the qualities, however sometimes things do not always turn the way we want, when this happens, do not dismay you have just begun, stand strong, be focussed, set the goals in your mind, when you reach the top, tell yourself you have come to stay. do not be complacent and always keep an open mind to learn, for you can never know all, you are among the great westindians, great Dominicans, great entwisleans, great warakans, and your grand mother is kalinago- we love you and is very proud of you !!!
I am so proud of you Kaveem. You have earned every bit of it. You did not allow your hardships and struggles to deter you! There is even more that you will achieve. Remain humbled and focused and PUT GOD FIRST IN ALL YOU DO!
Well Done Kavem…well done…..stay motivated son!
What an uplifiting and inspirational story. Continue to be focussed and to excel at all you do. Your journey has just begun.
How is this comment a thumbs down????? Some people are just negative for no reason.
This young brother’s story is very impressive. Hope that other young brothers will walk in his footsteps. He is disciplined, focused, enthusiastic, self-motivated and grateful. You will go a long way, my brother, once you are not side-tracked. You are truly an inspiration to all. Keep up the good work and most of all your purpose in life.
Just go out there and make us proud dude! Make sure u do your strength training plus regular cricket practice and keep focus on the goal.
Congratulations Kavem! I wish you success in the future. Your story was so touching.
Congratulations! Wishing you continued success!
The sky’s the limit son!
There’s so much room at the top!
Keep on striving!
Work hard and smart!
Remain focus!
Yes you can!
This young man is obviously quite grounded and focused and has a very good head on his shoulders, a true youth ambassador if there ever was one. I feel so proud just reading his story, I hope one day I will be able to personally allow him to know how much he is admired and respected. This story should be read by all young people all over the globe and particularly throughout the region. He is a real inspiration and I hope that he continues on that straight and narrow path which he has thus far tread on with such humility yet pride in his beliefs and abilities. May he continue to keep believing in himself, for indeed, all things are possible if we trust in our Maker, if we put our best feet forward at all times, regardless of the circumstances that abound: always allow excellence to be what we attain to and most importantly, if we do not give up on our dreams: And this is my recipe for his continued success right there. So congrats once more young man, and keep that humble yet determined spirit which comes through so strongly in your story. This writer did an amazing job representing what you communicated. Blessings always.
What a wonderful story indeed, all the best to you my brother, am sure as Dominican, we will have our eyes on you.
Congrats and keep going of the gole
god’s blessings.
Very inspirational story but the homeless part is a stretch. By the way, Antrizle is not a separate village but rather a hamlet or a section of Atkinson. Nonetheless, we are pulling for you Kavem, so continue to make country boys and Dominica proud.
Blessings
Tom Lafond would have loved to see that day and would be very proud of you.
He never failed to be in your corner fighting your cause and had great faith in you.
Congratulations young man.Now go there take your place among the stars. Its your time my brother . Carpe Diem !!!!
As i sat and read the story it brought me back to a young man who had a similar story like Kareem both homeless but through an encounter with a ball his dreams were turn to reality… His name is Kevin Carrol. I know that Jeff Pierre is happy that he did not turn his back on you. Congratulations and be a continue to be a true ambassador.. keep that ball spinning as you tell young boys like you that their circumstances should not determine their destiny.
I am very much impressed. and delighted to read such an amazing story. I feel encourage as mention there are many who gifted, but just need direction, as a nation lets look out for the young people and help them see their dream come true. That good news for Dominica yes we can make it. God blessing for the Young.
Kavem, Congratulations!!! Note, the butterflies are all part of the fun the game of cricket brings, so embrace them and blast the ball around the park.
Way to go!!!
Kavem, your sterling performances put Antrizle* on the map. There is little to be cheerful about in our country these days and news like this is like a soothing balsam for an aching sore. Thank you and good luck.
* Antrizle may be the bastardised spelling of Entwistle, the name of confluence of the Kusana- and Fibaukati ravines, between Atkinson (Waraka) and Barakua.
Yes indeed. Mr. Bartie Entwisle had land there a couple hundred years ago, just as Mr. William Atkinson had land at Waraka and his name dominated.
Thanks for clarifying this Kaliban. Entwistle is on the ordnance survey map of Dominica, still used today.
May God coontinues to bless you with wisdom, Knowledge and guidiance and to love what you like good luck young man.
that is a very good lesson for those thugs who keep saying there is nothing to do,he went through homelessness but he did not let that deter him .good luck my son may god give u the strength to strive higher
God’s blessings
It is really a joy to see how far this young man has come but I just cannot get over the fact that the boy was basically abandoned at such a young age. How does everybody especially his mother just leave the boy alone at 11?
Do not take the story out of context these things happen in life is like everyone had to leave at one time and the thought of where the lad would stay was being worked out we go through these patches in life and come out stronger in the end. Do not dwell on that part of the story be happy for where he is now
Go for it.Remember you were on the WI under 19 team with Kayle Myers, Steven Katwaro, Ronsford Beaton, Akeal Hosein,Anthony Allen,Kraig Brathwaite, etc…..While you were injured, they appeared to be better than you,would be so happy if you can prove me wrong.
GO FOR IT YOUNG MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The First Segment of the article is so right. I remembered back then on every flat surface we could find and on the only Antrizle beach. Kavem was the first to bat and the last to bowl, Yes, I w as one of the older guys. We would say why can’t mister go play with kids his age. But he never listened. He was only interested in holding the bat and the ball and I must say at his age he was very capable. GREAT JOB KAVEM. We all proud of you “JEAN BOIS TO THE BONE”
Go for it my boy!!! Good Luck!!!!
Congratulations young man and good luck.
GOOD VIBES
good luck
the entire article is filled with positivism..makes me smile… makes me proud…gives me hope…good luck in your endeavors young sir… as a young lady i salute you…keep up the good work..God bless.
This is such an encouragement and motivating story. There are those who are ready and willing to make the sacrifice to achieve, while many sit by and expect their Pal Rep /Politician/someone to do that which they must do for themselves. This young man had all the reason to not strive for excellent yet …..
Quotes:
Preparation is never time wasted
You can’t get great strength without great sorrow
My Congratulations goes out to you Kavem. really hard work and determination really pays. As i always tell you, put God first and everything else will follow. you make me proud and most of all your Country. you are an example to all the young people out there. wish you the best and much more success to come, this is just the icing on the cake the best is yet to come.keep it up.
I always believe that there are still extraordinary young men back home! CONGRATULATIONS YOUNG MAN! You have your future goals set, keep on holding and keep on that path you’re in, you’ll make it big and you can live happy knowing that you’ve done what you’ve always wanted to do and you’ve done what makes and keeps you happy! SPLENDID and good luck in all your future games!
Love your story young man………make us proud
While reading this article I couldn’t hold back the tears. Very inspiring. There is so much talent in all areas in our young people in Dominica. Most of them just need a stepping stone, a helping hand, encouragement, to see them through, we as a nation need to support them in a positive way. Apparently there were some positive people who stepped into this young man’s life which helped him to stay the course. We need more of that. Thanks to all who helped in making things posible possible for that young man.
congratulations to u young star……..dreams are reality when you believe……….go out there and do your best…….
Always heard of Kavem on the news, he always performs…Great acheivement my fellow citizen. Makes one feel proud and motivated. I wish you well in your endeavours and may your talent continue to make room for you. God’s blessings and protection too – keep this humumility going!
Congrats Mr. Hodge. This is an example to all young men out there. Despite your circumstances, you can strive hard to achieve your dreams. Keep your head up Kavem. Keep moving forward and make yourself proud and your country proud. Way to go! Also Good luck in your studies in Sports Science. Very good!
This story is so well written that I am immediately inclined to ask the source….
Way to go boy its great that you look back on Grandma. Keep aiming and reaching for the stars and beyond. god Blessings upon you
Great story;I feel you my youte.
God bless you Kevin. Keep reaching for the stars.
DNO, thank you so much for this story. Reading this brought chills to my body. I was wondering what had happened to this young man. A few years ago, I heard of this young man on the news and knew he was destined for success. I am so elated for him. At my son’s HS graduation yesterday, the keynote speaker said “we must never forget our past, where we came from, however, we should never let it determine the future.” Awesome words, Kavem, you are a living example of those words. You have made my day. This is just one of many to come. You are a great talent and so you wont be denied your rightful place. Wishing you God’s blessings. Now go do your thing!
I shed tears reading this piece. Very well written. I am proud of you son, I don’t know you personally but I can feel you. Keep reaching for the stars and trust in God always.
I am so proud of you Kavem! You have grown into an extraordinary young man. Keep making yourself, and your country proud. May God bless you!!!!
And that my son, will make you a M an! Congrats!
Lovely story and humble
Congratulations Kavem! And on another note: The name of the place is Entwhistle, but for generations people of the area have pronounced it Antrizle.
100% true, its Entwizzle
#ENTWIZLE
I am not a cricket fan but I remember when this young man was first mentioned in the Chronicle and I said I would continue to follow to see where this leads. Congratulations to you Mr. Hodge. Well done and continue to move forward!!!
….. he is a very positive young man, I wish him well in his endeavors.
congratulation to you kavem Hodge and best wishes. We cannot claim you as a HarlemNewtown youth but your dad AL HODGE a great 100 M runner for SMA in his days is a true Newtown Harlem person. We as a nation are all very proud of you and we will join Atrizzle to celebrate your success and dat of all Dominica.
well said but his dad is harlem so he harlem also good luck
Congratulation my brother, go there and do your best, for all you know, this might be the beginning of much greater things to come.
congrats to an outstanding young man!
Great Job young man. All the best to you.
I just love inspirational pieces. Definitely loved the ending to this well-written piece. Congrats Kavem Hodge and keep keeping on. God’s blessings and guidance. You are a much needed role model to our people, young and old
Good stuff!! Wishing him much success!!