Gov’t, Opposition pay tribute to cricket great Sir Garfield Sobers

The Government and Opposition have joined regional tributes following the death of West Indies cricket legend Sir Garfield "Garry" Sobers, hailing him as one of the greatest sporting figures the Caribbean has ever produced.

He died today at age 89.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness said he was deeply saddened by the passing of the Barbadian icon, describing him as "one of the greatest cricketers the world has ever known and a true son of the Caribbean".

Holness said Sir Garry's remarkable career brought pride not only to Barbados but to the entire West Indies, highlighting his leadership as captain from 1965 to 1972 and his unbeaten 365 against Pakistan at Sabina Park in 1958, which stood as the highest individual Test score for 36 years.

Widely regarded as one of cricket's greatest all-rounders, Holness said Sir Garry inspired generations through his talent, leadership, humility and commitment to the game, while uniting people across the Caribbean through a shared love of cricket.

He extended condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica to Sir Garry's family, the people of Barbados and the wider cricketing community.

Sports Minister Olivia Grange also expressed her deepest condolences, describing Sir Garry as "an absolute titan" whose achievements embodied West Indian excellence, pride and identity.

Grange said Jamaica shared a special bond with the cricketing great because it was at Sabina Park that, at age 21, he compiled his historic 365 not out against Pakistan, a record-breaking innings that cemented his place among the game's immortals.

She also reflected on his feat of becoming the first batsman in first-class cricket to hit six sixes in a single over while playing for Nottinghamshire in 1968, and noted that Sir Donald Bradman had described Sobers as "the greatest all-round cricketer the game has seen".

"Sir Garfield Sobers did not just play for the West Indies. He defined us. He showed that small island states could produce the biggest talent," Grange said.

Meanwhile, Opposition Spokesperson on Labour and Sport Wavell Hinds described Sir Garfield as one of the greatest sporting figures the Caribbean has ever produced, saying his legacy transcends generations.

Hinds said Sobers' achievements helped establish the West Indies as a dominant force in world cricket and made him a symbol of Caribbean pride.

Reflecting on his own career as a former West Indies cricketer, Hinds recalled receiving batting advice from Sir Garry during a training camp in Barbados in 2005, lessons he said contributed to him recording his highest Test score shortly afterwards against South Africa in Guyana.

The Opposition People's National Party extended condolences to the Sobers family, the Government and people of Barbados, Cricket West Indies and cricket fans across the world, describing Sir Garfield as a sporting giant whose influence will endure for generations.

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