Global music icon The Right Excellent Robyn Rihanna Fenty joined the nation in mourning on Friday following the death of fellow national hero, Sir Garfield Sobers, describing the legendary all-rounder as “a legend and an icon” whose legacy will inspire generations to come.
“Sir Garry’s legacy will live on forever, a light and inspiration to us all. Barbados loves you eternally, Sir Garry,” said the Grammy Award-winning singer, who in 2021 joined Sir Garfield as the two living national heroes when Barbados became a Republic.
She hailed “the greatest cricketer this world has ever seen” and reflected on his profound influence on generations of young Bajans.
“Barbados, today we lost a legend and an icon, the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, the greatest cricketer this world has ever seen,” Rihanna said in an audio recording.
She shared a personal memory, revealing that like many Barbadian children she grew up inspired by Sir Garfield’s exploits.
“He inspired all of us as kids, even me playing cricket in the cemetery trying to keep up with my brother and busting all my shins,” she said.
Rihanna expressed gratitude for having had the opportunity to meet Sir Garfield through Prime Minister Mia Mottley, extending her condolences to his family and cricket lovers around the world.
“I’m just so grateful that I had the honour to be introduced to him by Prime Minister Mia Mottley,” she said. “To his family and loved ones and cricket lovers all over the world, I hold you close in my heart during this time.”
She paid tribute to Sir Garfield’s remarkable achievements, recalling that at just 21 years old he became the youngest player to set the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket with his unbeaten 365, a mark that stood for 36 years. She also noted his knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II.
(BT)
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