Sir Garry, humble icon remembered

While for thousands of cricket fans around the world, Sir Garfield Sobers was an on-field legend, a king of the stats and multiple record breaker, for many Barbadians Sir G was just “one of them”. 

Long before the official start of his state funeral on Wednesday, fans began to file into Kensington Oval, sharing stories about a neighbour, mentor, friend and celebrity.

Agnes Haynes said she did not know Sobers personally, but recalled that you always knew that he was special.

She described neighbourhood cricket fans arguing about how many runs Sobers had scored during various tours and whether he was as good as other players around the world.

Haynes said a chance encounter with Sobers after his knighthood, left her baffled because he “behaved so normal”. 

The senior citizen said she felt it was important to attend the funeral to celebrate Sir Garry, rather than mourn him.

Social media personality Allan Baje, who viewed Sir Garry as he lay in state on Tuesday, returned to Kensington Oval on Wednesday for the state funeral.

Outfitted in a custom-made suit in national colours, he said he was there to pay his respects to his former youth coach.

“Sir Garry Sobers and I go way back because I went to school at Bay Primary and when I was in Class 4, he used to come and coach us cricket on weekends and then he was a race fan. 

 “He owned a racehorse that my father looked after and the thing about it is that I used to live in the Bayland too, so I grew up playing dominoes with him in the area then when the West Indies were playing at home, they used to practice at Wanderers and being from around the area, I saw him very often.”

Allan Baje describes Sobers as a symbol of success who came from very small beginnings and rose to the top, but never ever let it get to his head. 

“He was always humble in his daily life.”

Also making an early entrance to the funeral was veteran entertainer Tony Poser Grazette, who described Sobers as a magnificent and special gentleman.

“He gave his all like he would take his shirt off his back and give to you. He was always was very humble and would give you any kind of advice.

“I remember entertaining him and Sir Wes Hall at Island Inn way back, and whenever they came in, I would shout them out and let people know that they were there. I thank God for his life and what he gave to us and the world, and I know he’s resting peacefully.”

Like many Barbadians, Grazette said it was difficult to sum up the full impact of Sobers in a concise manner.

“The very best, very best and a very wonderful good person. Always was, always will be, and may he rest in peace.”

(KH)