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The Caribbean's newest international umpire has had to contend with an uncomplimentary label for several years.

Clancy Mack, who officiated in the second Cable & Wireless One-Day International between West Indies and South Africa at the Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG) here yesterday, however, is unperturbed by the name some Antiguans have given him.

Whether they mean it or not, they call him Can't See Mack.

"These things inspire me. When the odds are against me, I come tall," the seasoned regional umpire said ahead of his big moment in the middle.

It was a name that originated many years ago after he gave a decision against Leeward Islands captain Richie Richardson off the final ball of a day's play in a match against the Windward Islands at the ARG.

"The crowd certainly did not know what happened," Mack said.

He recalled that Richardson, in trying to shoulder arms, got a slight edge on the way to the keeper.

"The ball hit the back of the bat and the wicket-keeper caught it and I gave him out. To the crowd, it appeared as if I give him out lbw."

The next morning, a popular radio personality wanted to know who was the umpire that sent the Leewards captain on his way.

And a lady, who carries a very respected surname in this country, responded: Oh, ah can't see Clancy.

"That is how it all started. It was more out of the fact that I gave Richie out and Antiguans felt that I should not have given him out," he said.

Since those days, the 45-year-old father of four sons has consistently officiated in regional matches and has been the reserve Test umpire in ARG matches since 1989.

In 1993, when renowned Englishman Harold `Dickie' Bird left the field on the fourth afternoon of the Pakistan Test match, Mack was called on to umpire in what turned out to be an eventual period.

Waqar Younis was in the course of a devastating spell of swing bowling and Mack raised his index finger more than once for lbw decisions.

"That was a great experience, being able to step on to the field for a Test match for the very first time. I enjoyed it," he said.

Unlike what many other people might think, I was nervous as anything because this is what I was looking forward to doing a Test match.

Yesterday was his first International in the middle and the man some say can't see is looking forward to many more.

© The Barbados Nation