Democratic Labour Party president Stephen Lashley on Friday hailed the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers as the world’s greatest cricketer and a proud Barbadian whose legacy will endure for generations.
In a statement, Lashley said the DLP family was “extremely saddened” by the loss of the cricketing icon.
“Sir Gary is known throughout the world as being that outstanding figure who has graced cricketing fields across the world,” he said. “There will be no one else known to have acquired the status of the world’s greatest cricketer other than Sir Gary.”
Lashley praised Sir Garfield not only for his unmatched achievements on the field but also for his leadership and unwavering commitment to Barbados:
“He has been an outstanding leader in that field, he has dedicated his life to the development of cricket, and he’s proven what can be achieved by one single person on behalf of his nation.”
He said Barbados owed Sir Garfield “a debt of gratitude” for the excellence he displayed throughout his career and for the role he played in promoting the island internationally.
“He has always answered the call to promote Barbados, to be a part of the development of our country,” Lashley said. “His passing is sad on its own, but sad in relation to what we have lost.”
Reflecting on Sir Garfield’s personal connection to his homeland, Lashley said Barbados had lost far more than one of its most celebrated sportsmen:
“Barbados has lost not only a national hero, but a father figure, a grandfather, someone who has remained connected to our country. He has passed away in his homeland, when in fact he could have chosen any part of the world to have lived, he lived right here among us in Barbados.”
Extending condolences on behalf of the DLP, Lashley expressed gratitude to Sir Garfield and his family for his lifelong service to Barbados and to the game of cricket.
“His contribution to the development of cricket will always be remembered, not only by us who were here in Barbados, but by so many across the globe,” he said.
Sir Garfield’s achievements helped establish Barbados as a nation synonymous with cricketing excellence, while his character left an equally lasting impression, Lashley said.
“He earned the reputation of being a gentleman both on and off the field,” the DLP leader said, recalling that anyone who met Sir Garfield came away with “a wealth of knowledge”, not only about cricket but also about life, family and his deep love for Barbados.
“Sir Gary loved Barbados dearly, and he will be sorely missed by all of us. May his soul rest in peace and rise in eternal glory.”
(SB)
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