‘Sobers was a national treasure’

With the cricket world mourning the loss of the iconic Sir Garfield Sobers, Barbados has lost more than its greatest cricketer, it has lost a symbol of national pride whose influence reached far beyond the sport.
As tributes continue to pour in for the legendary all-rounder, Barbados Tridents Head of Operations, Roxanne Forte, described Sobers as an extraordinary talent, a humble leader and a generous mentor.
“Sir Garry was more than a cricketing legend. He was a national treasure whose achievements brought immense pride to Barbados and inspired generations across the world,” said Forte, who, and by extension the Barbados Tridents family, sent deepest condolences to the Sobers family.
“As a person, he was always willing to mentor young cricketers and to me as well. I could sit for hours and he would share many nuggets on life and improving any business ideas I shared with him,” added Forte.
Sobers passed away at the age of 89 at his home in Highgate Gardens yesterday, 11 days shy of his birthday.
Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers represented the West Indies between 1954 and 1974 and played 93 Test matches, scoring 8,032 runs at a remarkable average of 57.78.
“What made Sir Garry unique was that he could do everything on a cricket field, and do it exceptionally well. He wasn’t just a great batsman or a great bowler he was both,” said Forte.
“On top of that, he could bowl different styles depending on what the team needed, was an outstanding fielder, and had an incredible understanding of the game,” added Forte.
Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley announced in a video yesterday that the island has declared a Day of National Mourning following the death of National Hero The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers.
The Government also announced that the cricket legend will be accorded a State Funeral.
The Prime Minister said a second Day of National Mourning would be observed on the day of Sir Garry’s interment. On both occasions, there will be no official Government functions.
Sobers held the world record for the highest Test score of 365 not out for 36 years before it was broken by Brian Lara in 1994.
By an Act of Parliament in 1998, Sobers was named one of the 11 National Heroes of Barbados.
On a social media post on X formerly known as Twitter, Barbados Tridents posted their tribute in a statement.
“Long before the word all-rounder became commonplace, you redefined it. You didn’t just excel in every discipline of the game, you mastered them all.”
“Your unbeaten 365 wasn’t just a world record. It was a statement that limits exist only until someone brave enough comes along to break them. Your six sixes in an over became folklore. It was the freedom, flair and fearlessness with which you played that inspired generations to dream bigger.
For Barbados, you were never just a cricketer. You were our pride, our symbol. Proof that greatness can rise from a small island and leave a mark on the entire world. Every Barbadian who has picked up a bat, worn maroon, or dreamed of representing home has walked a path you helped create.”