TRIBUTE FROM THE BARBADOS HIGH COMMISSION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM ON THE DEATH OF THE RIGHT EXCELLENT SIR GARFIELD ST. AUBRUN SOBERS
The Staff of the Barbados High Commission in the United Kingdom joins with our nation, region and indeed the whole world in expressing deep sorrow at the passing of our National Hero, the Right Excellent Sir Garfield St. Aubrun Sobers, on the eve of his 90th birthday.
The life story of this giant of an individual, universally recognized 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 pre-eminence 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. His generosity towards his fellow human beings was widely known. 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 colonizing state.
This High Commission honoured Sir Garry, one of our ten original National Heroes named in 1998, on 25th April this year as part of our celebration of National Heroes Day. We hosted a lecture by Sir Clive Lloyd, OCC, himself a former outstanding West Indies cricket captain, on the phenomenal life of this great man.
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.
H.E. Edmund G. Hinkson, S.C.
Barbados High Commissioner to the United Kingdom
