FROM THE CRACK OF DAWN last Thursday political activist Eric Sealy's telephone was ringing off the hook from several well-wishers offering birthday greetings.

And in the City later in the day, hugs, kisses and "howdy-dos" flowed as the man who has been the voice of the oppressed for many years spent his 81st birthday in grand style.

Then he received a special visit from businessman Kiko Chantani who came armed with a fruit basket.

Speaking to the SUNDAY SUN from his home Kensington Lodge, St Michael, Sealy said he was grateful to God for his continued success over the years.

He said he would have been unable to reach this significant milestone without the generosity of some caring Barbadians.

He singled out publisher Harold Hoyte, construction magnate Sir Charles Williams, insurance executive Steve Stoute, and chairman of the Child Care Board David "Joey" Harper for special mention.

"I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude, of thanks, to Mr Harold Hoyte who has been more than a friend to me and has given me a lot of inspiration over the years.

"At the tender age of 17 I was incarcerated, but I stand here today as a living monument of the possibility of reformation."

He also appealed to the youth to stay away from crime and to put their trust in God.

The widely travelled boxing promoter has rubbed shoulders with the likes of George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Joe Louis and Floyd Patterson.

And, he has spoken at a number of formal events hosted by several prime ministers across the world.

Soon, Sealy said, he will undergo an operation for cataract to correct his failing eyesight. (JW)