A global cricketing icon whose influence stretched far beyond the boundary, the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers has been remembered by Barbados’ envoy to the United Kingdom for lifting West Indian pride during a defining period of post-colonial identity and migration.
The national hero and iconic cricketer died last Friday just days shy of his 90th birthday.
High Commissioner Edmund Hinkson expressed “deep” sorrow at Sir Garry’s death on behalf of the London mission’s staff:
“The life story of this giant of an individual, universally recognised as the greatest all-round cricketer of all times, is the chronicle of a cricketing and indeed sporting genius who rose from humble beginnings in the urban village of the Bayland, Barbados to the pinnacle of international fame, sporting stardom and success through excellence, extraordinary natural cricketing and leadership skills, determination, resilience and self-confidence.
“Sir Garry’s preeminence transcended his cricketing statistical achievements as a master batsman, a four-in-one top-class bowler, a superb fielder and exceptional catcher as well as the captain in the mid-1960s of one of the best West Indies cricket teams ever.”
The envoy and former St James North MP noted that Sir Garry’s generosity towards his fellow human beings was widely known, and suggested that his humility of character, despite his “remarkable” success, ought to be an example for others to follow:
“Sir Garry was a major, irreplaceable part of the West Indies team, first as player and then also as captain. This team lifted psychologically our Caribbean people residing in the United Kingdom in the 1960s, through its domination in test matches against England during that period. Our English-speaking Caribbean people, just starting to emerge from colonization into citizenship of independent countries, were able to stand and walk tall, with national and regional pride, as they encountered the challenges of life as immigrants in our former colonising state.”
The High Commission had honoured Sir Garry on April 25 as part of its celebration of National Heroes Day.
The UK mission also hosted a lecture by Sir Clive Lloyd, who later followed Sir Garry as West Indies cricket captain, on the “phenomenal life of this great man”, said Hinkson.
He added: “We convey our deepest condolences to Sir Garry’s children, grandchildren and family. We hope that his legacy will remain in our hearts forever although his mortal remains transcend from earth.”
(EJ)
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