In a two-and-a-half-hour service filled with tributes, Barbadians and those abroad received an up-close look at the life of this island’s legendary National Hero, The Right Excellent Sir Garfield St Auburn Sobers.
Sir Garry, who became a household name in 1958 after setting a world record with the highest individual score when he was just 21, was hailed as a man of inspiration for generations to come.
A large crowd of dignitaries was on hand at the prestigious Kensington Oval, including President Jeffrey Bostic, Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Philip Pierre, Chief Justice Leslie Haynes, National Hero The Right Excellent Robyn Rihanna Fenty, Members of Parliament, and the regional and international cricketing fraternity, to pay their final respects to the greatest all-rounder the world has ever seen.
Following its procession from Parliament, the bearer party carried the casket, draped in the Barbados flag, into the Oval through a presentation of bats by a guard of honour formed by members of the cricketing fraternity. As the casket was laid on the catafalque, a hush fell over the grounds as the crowd observed two minutes of silence.
Scores of people in the Worrell, Weekes and Walcott Stand and Greenidge and Haynes Stand watched the stage and the large screens to capture the island’s farewell.
Reverend Canon Guy Hewitt delivered a message from King Charles III, who had met Sir Garry several times throughout the years: “History is distinguished with sporting champions whose records have widely commanded respect across generations. There have been few, far fewer however whose name alone brings smile to peoples faces across Barbados, the Caribbean and the entire Commonwealth. Sir Garfield Sobers belongs very firmly in the latter category. I send deepest sympathies to Sir Garry’s family as they come to terms with this great loss.”
Delivering the sermon, Canon Hewitt encouraged more people to emulate the life of the late cricketing legend, who was a living example of excellence but remained humble through it all.
Noting the challenges Sir Garry faced, Canon Hewitt stated that it was through strength of character that he rose above these.
“Sir Garry said ‘People call me a genius, but I achieved what I did because I worked hard’. We do not know how strong we are until we face up to life’s challenges,” he said.
The reverend added that in today’s dog-eat-dog world the focus was mainly on fame and money, but stated “The higher one rises, the more they are called to serve,” adding that Sir Garry was the epitome of this.
Sir Garry’s life innings was just short of 90 years but he forever remains ‘not out’ in people’s hearts, Canon Hewitt declared .
Extending condolences on behalf of the nation to Sir Garry’s sons Matthew and Daniel, his daughter Genevieve and other relatives, he offered a Hebrew proverb in comfort ‘Say not in grief that he is no more, but in thankfulness that he was.’
Spoken-word artist Winston Farrell paid tribute with the poem ‘Last Stroll to the Wicket’.
There were also several musical presentations during the service.
Cultural Ambassador Anthony The Mighty Gabby Carter delivered a powerful performance of his composition Well Done, which drew applause from all on hand. Later, Biggie Irie sang Sparrow’s Who is the Greatest Cricketer on Earth, Adrian Clarke performed Garry Sobers’and Nikita moved the crowd with Rally Round the West Indies before the ceremony ended with Stephen Brathwaite’s rendition of Time to Say Goodbye (Con Te Partiro).
President Jeffrey Bostic lays a wreath on Sir Garfield Sobers’ grave
The flag-draped casket of Sir Garfield Sobers leaves Lyndhurst Funeral Home (MB)
The hearse bearing the body of Sir Garfield Sobers arrives at Parliament
Members of Cabinet join the process along Fontabelle (SB)
Sir Garfield Sobers’ family (right) and the top brass of The Barbados Police Service and Defence Force (left)
Some of the members of the public at Wednesday’s state funeral
(JB)
