The much-talked about banker and newly appointed Minister in the Ministry of Finance talks to Lorraine Waldropt about his secret passion - hockey.

Although he's been making headlines for the last few months, But there's something about Mariano Browne that hasn't hit the news. "Hockey has always been my passion!" he revealed. "From since school days to now, I have a weakness for the sport and the camaraderie that goes with it!"

A sturdy last stopper for local hockey giants Notre Dame, Browne also plays for the Bajan hockey club Empire, a team in which he invested most of his youthful years, having lived in Barbados for a major part of his life. "In my youth, I went through a progression of positions. At my alma mater, St Mary's College, I started at left wing then I shifted to the right wing and centre forward when I joined both Empire and Notre Dame. I have now made the switch to sweeper, a position I am comfortable with," he explained.

A former captain of the UWI hockey team, Browne has plied his dazzling dribbling skills and tactical tackles in tournaments throughout the world. In 1983, he contributed immensely to Notre Dame's outstanding performance at the Pennsylvania Lee High Valley Tournament. And in 1986 he made his European debut on the Dutch circuit with Spanish club Real Santander at the Eindhoven Easter Tournament in Holland.

In addition to the Banks Hockey Festival, of which he is still a regular patron, Browne has also etched his name on the frequent flyer scrolls at the Virginia Beach Hockey Festival through the New York Islanders Hockey Club.

 

Naturally, with age and a busy schedule, he no longer plays in the Championship Division, as he has gracefully graduated to the veteran division in most home games and tournaments. Nevertheless, he still has the same enthusiasm and insatiable thirst for a good old hockey sweat. "I will play hockey until the end. There is no stopping for me when it comes to hockey," he declared. He certainly does not envision retirement from the sport in the near future, as he swore by his secret to continual youth and vigour on the hockey field - determination and a heathy, balanced lifestyle. "The key to longevity in any sport is to never stop playing. You have to continue playing, even if your fitness and your agility declines. Furthermore, a healthy diet and physical training can extend your life in the sport."

1. How long have you been playing hockey?

Forty good years now!

2. Your most significant accolade in sports?

I have two actually; the first time I scored a hattrick in hockey and when Notre Dame beat Trinitoc Hockey Team in Point-a-Pierre in 1993 to win the National Hockey League.

3. Your most memorable moment in sports?

Missing a penalty stroke in a knockout final against Malvern!

4. In three words, your recipe for a successful athlete?

Sport-specific fitness. Mental conditioning. Intense training!

5. Your greatest joy?

Gardening.

6. The best advice you received and from whom?

Listen to your mother my father!

7. Your most embarrassing moment?

Yet again, missing the penalty stroke against Malvern in the knockout final, it really hurt!

8. The part of your body you like the most?

I love all my body parts the same because one part can't work in isolation of the other!

9. The part of your body you would change given the chance?

I wouldn't change anything!

10. After a hard workout session what or whom relaxes you?

A cold beer with my teammates.

11. Your favourite music?

Jazz.

12. On a second chance what would be your dream profession?

A career in medicine!

13. Your pet peeve?

Making the same mistakes twice and having to repeat myself!

14. Your favourite food?

Asian food, especially Thai cuisine.

15. The athlete you most admire?

Ronaldo because of his talent and agility.

16. Your personal fitness tip?

Eat right, stay fit regardless of your busy schedule and never stop sports.

17. Your personal credo?

Do the best you can at all times!

18. Your most irresistible temptation?

I don't have any, I'm not tempted easily!

19. The one place you would like to visit before you die?

China!

20. How is banking and finance similar to sports?

Well, both fields are quite similar as they both require discipline and oragnisation. Just as in business, in sport you have to train in order to execute the same action repeatedly and successfully.

To do this task you must be organised and disciplined!