Sobers in ‘66: Feats ‘boosted pre-independence confidence’

Former chief justice Sir David Simmonds said Sir Garfield Sobers’ extraordinary performances in 1966 helped to instil national confidence on the eve of independence, offering a powerful symbol of excellence and self-belief at a pivotal moment in the country’s history.

Delivering a tribute during Wednesday’s state funeral at Kensington Oval, he pointed out that Sir Garry’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming the world’s greatest cricketer coincided with the Caribbean’s own journey towards self-government and independence.

Touching on the importance of Barbadians being inspired and imbued with self-confidence during the period, and the need to hold on to the belief that the country could make a success of independence, Sir David said this was provided by Sir Garry securing 722 runs in a Test series, with an average of 103 runs per game, and taking 20 wickets and ten catches while at Lord’s in England.

The flag draped casket of National Hero and cricket icon Sir Garfield Sobers at the Kensington Oval on Wednesday

“Here was a Barbadian at the very home of cricket in the mother country proving to the world as we sought freedom from British rule that we were perfectly capable of managing our affairs and excelling.”

Reflecting on Sir Garfield’s achievements despite his modest educational background, Sir David said: “By the time he had broken Hutton’s record and demonstrated like Everton Weekes his idol that poverty and the lack of a secondary school education were no barriers to the attainment of excellence, the governments of Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago had all obtained all internal self government status. So that the people of the region had begun the journey towards independence and decolonisation so too had Sir Garry begun his journey from being the best cricketer in a small island to becoming the greatest cricketer in the whole world.”

Sir David also spoke of the cricket legend’s ability to build friendships across political lines, noting the value he placed on relationships with leaders including former prime ministers Errol Barrow and Tom Adams and finance minister Sir Richard Haynes.

Sir David said Sir Garry always maintained that his achievements were never about personal glory: “In interviews Sir Garry often said he never played the game for himself but for the team.”

He added: “I must add that as a supreme entertainer, he also played it for us, the people of the West Indies and the fans and supporters.”

(JB)