Barbadians remember, reflect as Sir Garfield Sobers lies in state

Barbadians lined around the Parliament Buildings on Monday to pay their final respects to National Hero the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, as hundreds filed past his casket and signed the condolence book in honour of the cricket legend whose legacy transcended Barbados and the sporting world.

Members of the public patiently waited in long queues for an opportunity to view Sir Garfield lying in state. While condolence books were also available at several locations across the island, from the General Post Office in the City to the David Thompson Health and Social Services Complex in St John, the House of Assembly chamber became the focal point for those wanting to say a final farewell.

For Anthony Beckles, the moment was deeply personal.

“I know Sir Garry all my life,” he said, recalling that Sobers’ sister and his mother were close friends. “He was a great, great person, a tremendous man.”

Reflecting on the life of the National Hero, he added: “He did a lot for the world, not only Barbados… May his soul rest in peace. May he rise in glory and may God bless him for his life.”

Many who gathered had never met Sir Garfield personally but said they still felt compelled to honour the man who placed Barbados on the world stage.

Marcia Ashby recalled writing in the condolence book.

“I said, ‘We love you, Sir Garry.’”

Ashby said even though she never met Sobers, she felt inclined to show up, “because of who he was… and being so humble and sweet”.

For Jane Boyce of Josey Hill, St Lucy, the occasion also brought back memories of her late father, who regarded Sir Garfield as his hero.

“As a child growing up, I always hear my dad talk about Sir Garry Sobers, and he called him his hero,” she said. “Thank God I have met him even before he died. He was a very pleasant and decent young man.”

Offering her final tribute, she said: “So long, farewell until we meet again. Fly with the angels, fly high, my friend… May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Others reflected on Sir Garfield’s life through the lens of faith.

Bentley Webster, who had already signed a condolence book at the Grantley Adams International Airport the day before visiting the Parliament Buildings, described the passing as “a great loss.”

“But we have to realise as Christians we are just here for a time,” he said. “I thank God for the life and the legacy that he would have lived when he was living. So I just bless God for him.”

For Christine Austin, seeing the National Hero lying in state was an emotional experience.

“I got goosebumps all over my skin,” she said. “He looks like he’s sleeping… It’s a nice thing that they’re doing for him, and may he rest in peace.”

The atmosphere throughout the day was one of quiet reflection, with many expressing both pride and sadness.

Gail Skinner said she was especially saddened that Sir Garfield did not live to celebrate his 90th birthday.

“It’s a very solemn occasion,” she said. “I’m sorry that he didn’t make it to his 90th birthday… but I am proud that he’s our hero.”

She compared his global impact to that of Jamaica’s Bob Marley.

“That is what Sir Garfield Sobers made for us,” she said. “People know us all over the world because of Sir Garry Sobers.”

While acknowledging the sorrow of the moment, Skinner said his achievements would endure for generations.

“He’ll be in our history books,” she said. “There will never be another cricketing hero like Sir Garry.”

Condolence books have been available to the public since Wednesday, allowing Barbadians and visitors to record their memories and messages in honour of the National Hero. The books remained available at locations including Kensington Oval, the Holetown Post Office and Cricket Legends on Monday, although there was little activity at those sites compared with the Parliament Buildings, where a steady stream of mourners flowed.

Additional condolence books remain available at Government Headquarters, Bay Primary School, Weymouth Sports Club, and the St Andrew Post Office during normal business hours.

Sir Garfield Sobers, who died at the age of 89, will be accorded an official State Service of Thanksgiving on Wednesday, celebrating a life that inspired generations of Barbadians and earned admiration across the cricketing world.

(LE)