Jamaica government and opposition pay tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers after his death

WIPA expresses condolences at passing of Sir Garfield Sobers

The West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) has expressed condolences following the passing of Barbados’ National Hero, The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, at the age of 89. In a statement issued today, WIPA described Sir Garfield as the greatest all-rounder to have played the game, highlighting his remarkable career for the West Indies between 1954 […] The post WIPA expresses condolences at passing of Sir Garfield Sobers appeared first on nationnews.com.

2 hours ago

Grange hails Garfield Sobers as symbol of West Indian excellence

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Minister of Sport Olivia Grange says the Caribbean and the world have lost a titan following the passing of Barbados national hero and cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers on Friday. “The Caribbean and the world have lost an absolute titan. Sir Garry was not merely a phenomenal sportsman; he was a unifying symbol of West Indian excellence, pride, and identity. He carried the spirit of our region on his shoulders and showed the world the heights that Caribbean genius could reach,” Grange said in a statement. The sport minister said Jamaica established a special, eternal bond with Sobers. “It was right here, on our own soil at Sabina Park in 1958, where a 21-year-old Sobers scored his magnificent 365 not out against Pakistan. That historic knock shattered the world record, stood undefended for 36 years, and forever cemented Sabina Park as the birthplace of his ultimate international stardom,” Grange said. “We will also remember still with awe another of his mind-blowing feats. The first batsman in first-class cricket history to smash six sixes in a single over. We will recall Sir Garfield did this while playing for Nottinghamshire in England in 1968,” she added. Grange described Sobers as a master batsman, a brilliantly versatile bowler across multiple styles and an unmatched fielder. “He played the game with unmatched grace, flair, and a fierce determination that inspired generations of young cricketers across the West Indies and the wider diaspora. Richly deserving, Garfield Sobers was knighted in 1975 for his services to cricket, named one of Barbados’ 11 National Heroes, and permanently honoured through the ICC's annual Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy awarded to the world's top cricketer. 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. READ: Cricket giant Sir Garfield Sobers dies at 89

4 hours ago

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.

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PNP pays tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Opposition Spokesperson on Labour and Sport, Wavell Hinds, has paid tribute to Barbados national hero and cricket giant Sir Garfield Sobers following his passing on Friday. Hinds in a press release on Friday, described the West Indies cricketing icon as one of the greatest sporting figures the Caribbean has ever produced and a man whose legacy transcends generations. "Widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder in the history of cricket, Sir Garfield inspired millions through a career defined by extraordinary skill, humility and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His contributions to West Indies cricket helped establish the region as a dominant force in the sport and made him a symbol of Caribbean pride across the world," Hinds said. He said Sobers' life exemplified the very best of Caribbean excellence. Cricket icon Sir Garfield Sobers "Sir Garfield Sobers was more than a cricketing legend; he was the embodiment of Caribbean excellence. At a time when our region was forging its identity on the international stage, he showed the world the talent, resilience and brilliance that define Caribbean people. His achievements inspired generations of young men and women to believe that greatness was within their reach," Hinds added. Reflecting on his own experience as a former West Indies cricketer, Hinds said Sobers' influence was deeply personal. "I first had the privilege of learning from Sir Garfield in 1994, when he addressed the Jamaica Under-19 team during the West Indies Under-19 Tournament in Barbados. My most memorable interaction with him came in 2005, during a West Indies training camp ahead of our Test series against South Africa in Barbados. He took the time to speak with me personally and offered invaluable advice on my batting. I carried those lessons with me and, shortly afterwards, went on to record my highest score in the first Test against South Africa at Bourda in Guyana. That is the kind of impact Sir Garfield had, not only on the game itself, but on the lives and careers of those fortunate enough to learn from him. His example set the standard for excellence, professionalism and pride in representing the Caribbean, and his legacy will continue to inspire every young cricketer who dreams of wearing those colours," Hinds noted. The People's National Party (PNP) extended its deepest condolences to the Sobers family, the government and people of Barbados, Cricket West Indies, and cricket lovers throughout the Caribbean and across the world as they mourn the loss of a sporting giant whose impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

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