A steady stream of mourners, including cricket greats, public officials and visiting fans, filed past the body of National Hero, The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, at Kensington Oval on Tuesday ahead of his state funeral.
What began as a trickle in the early morning hours developed into a steady flow of persons waiting patiently to say their last goodbye to a man who, despite his humble beginnings, managed to have a global impact.
Ahead of the state funeral, which will be held at the same venue on Wednesday, final preparations were still underway, with officials busy pressure-washing various surfaces and trimming the grass at the venue.
The main stage was already fully erected, with the venue looking ready to host thousands of people for a celebration of the life of the cricket legend.
As a guard of honour stood watch around the casket draped with the national flag, a number of visitors to the island also filed past, joining members of the civil service and several cricket legends who were on hand.
Sir Wesley Hall made an early appearance, pausing reflectively in his wheelchair in front of the casket, which was enclosed in a large tent on the field. While Hall was paying his respects inside the venue, scores of fans were also taking pictures on the outside, where statues of Sir Wesley and Sir Charles Griffith flanked that of Sir Garfield Sobers.
Sir Wesley Hall ( in wheelchair) was among those paying his last respects. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
Among those joining the dignified procession past the body early during the day’s viewing were former West Indies players Ryan Hinds, Philo Wallace and Dwayne Smith.
Barbados and West Indies cricketer Dwayne Smith was one of many former players paying their respects. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
Former Barbados captain and West Indies player, Ryan Hinds. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
Several other past players and administrators from around the world have arrived on the island and are expected to attend tomorrow’s funeral, including former West Indies captain Brian Lara.
Lara famously broke Sobers’s record for the highest test score of 365 not out, on April 18 1994, at the Antigua Recreation Ground, which was first set against Pakistan in 1958.
Former West Indies opening batsman Sir Gordon Greenidge paused outside the viewing tent to share his reflections on Sobers.
Legendary West Indies opener Sir Gordon Greenidge paying his last respects: (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
He said: “I think he had a great innings. Batted well, bowled well, fielded well, what is left to be said about the great man?
“It’s just one of those sad moments where unfortunately we all have to encounter at some stage in our lives, but we never think it was going to go the way it went or so soon. He will be missed by everyone.”
Sir Gordon said Sir Garry will be deeply missed, especially by people who had the pleasure of interacting with him:
“He was a son of Barbados, but one who the world had embraced. Wherever he went or wherever you mentioned the name Sir Garfield Sobers, everyone knew who he was and wanted to talk about the man.
Greenidge continued: “What I think people will miss most about the man is his presence. I’m one of those who always wanted to be in the company of Sir Gary because when he spoke, especially about cricket, you listened. I can say no more, but may he rest in peace.
President Emeritus Dame Sandra Mason was among the more high-profile people to participate in the viewing on Tuesday. She, too, paused briefly with a quiet nod before exiting with members of her party.
President Emeritus Dame Sandra Mason paying her respects to Sir Garfield Sobers. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
Veteran coach Roderick “Roddy” Estwick is among several generations of cricketers who were influenced by Sobers, and made the trip to Kensington Oval for the final viewing before tomorrow’s funeral.
He said: “We had to do it right, obviously he’s done so much for the country, you know, he put Barbados on the map when he played and was the greatest cricketer that ever lived.
“When you look at his figures, you see what an outstanding cricketer he was, but for me he was more of a gentleman. He always had a kind word, always had advice. He would always try to point you in the right direction, so I only felt fitting to be here this morning.”
(KH)
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