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Radio Personality 'Hummbled' by Famous Friend's Gift

Nov. 2, 2006 — Motorists might soon notice event promoter and radio personality Rashidi Clenence driving a big, black-and-gray Hummer along the streets of St. Croix. Even more impressive is the fact that the car, which arrived on island this week, was given to Clenence by the island's favorite son, three-time NBA champion Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs.
In August, Duncan surprised Clenence with the gift as a thank-you for all the work he has put into the community, especially Clenence's work producing the annual Paradise Jam sports event, which brings basketball and football greats to St. Croix each summer to host sports clinics for the island's youth.
Clenence has known Duncan for most of his life as the two were childhood friends and played on the same youth basketball team.
Duncan said Clenence was a role model for him, as well as others in the community. As Clenence displayed his gift, he humbly accepted praise from a passerby. "He more than deserves it," said resident Linda Brown, who added that she knew Clenence "from a little child" and knows about the deep friendship between he and Duncan.
Clenence said receiving the "monster truck" gave him "a good feeling." The best part though, he said, came from everyone else's reaction to his gift. "The most overwhelming part is the people that say 'You deserve it,'" Clenence said.
Clenence, also known as Rash on the Radio, a morning on-air personality on Isle 95, has been working with the youth of St. Croix for several years. "I have done a lot of things for the community, and I didn't do it for the recognition," he said.
Clenence said he loves his island and would do anything for it, but the road is not always so smooth; there are a lot of obstacles in putting together large-scale events. "Planning events is a major challenge," he said.
Clenence discounts some comments he hears about Duncan giving him such an extravagant gift. Besides acknowledging that Duncan is a humble individual, who, despite being an NBA star, does not adorn himself with expensive jewelry, Clenence said there are a "lot of people" Duncan could have showered with his gratitude. "People make million-dollar deals for him. He could have done this for anyone else."
The gift was featured on the Speed Channel's "Payback," which highlights celebrities giving back to people in their lives who have made a difference. It was a surprise to Clenence when Duncan made arrangements for him to be on the show, where he first saw the "tricked-out" vehicle.
The impressive vehicle, which has specially designed panels to resist scratches from rocks and roadside brush, sits on huge 20-inch Pirelli tires. The Hummer even has custom-designed seats featuring a basketball motif and even has a makeshift basketball court in its trunk.
Clenence is keeping information on his future ventures close to his chest but was willing to say that in December he'll collaborate with the Crucian Christmas Festival Committee to host the second annual Soca Splash at the Frederiksted Vincent Mason pool.
Clenence promised the public will be entertained by local and international musical artists and lots of water-themed events. "Like the popular Xpress Band song, it's going to be a 'Wet Fete,'" Clenence said.
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