Britain Cricket – England v Sri Lanka – Third Test – Lords – Sir Garfield Sobers rings the bell before the afternoon session as a tribute to Muhammad Ali. 10/6/16 . Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Boyers/File Photo
GOVERNMENT OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Office of the Prime Minister
PRIME MINISTER GASTON BROWNE PAYS TRIBUTE TO SIR GARFIELD SOBERS
On behalf of the people and Government of Antigua and Barbuda, I extend sincerest condolences to the people and Government of Barbados, to the family and friends of Sir Garfield Sobers on the sad passing of this giant.
At a time—60 years ago, when West Indian Nationhood was taking form— when colonialism was in retreat, one of the most outstanding cricketer/athletes to emerge from the Anglo-Caribbean region was this outstanding cricketer called Garfield Sobers.
So well-admired was Garfield Sobers that his country conferred on him a Knighthood and would subsequently declare him a living National Hero.
He was so loved and admired that many mothers and fathers, in Antigua and Barbuda and throughout the CARICOM region, named their baby boys Garfield.
Cricket history recalls that Garfield Sobers held the highest score of a single batsman in international test-match cricket of 365 runs; that record stood the test of time for decades.
He would captain the West Indies Cricket side to many victories, demonstrating exquisite leadership and outstanding sportsmanship.
For many Antiguans and Barbudans, the West Indies team embodied the fighting spirit of the CARICOM people.
His story would influence outstanding cricketers, diplomats, politicians and sports-people from Antigua and Barbuda, and other places.
He was admired globally. Although retired from the game, he remained a fixture even as cricket transformed into its many abbreviated forms.
May the soul of Sir Garfield Sobers rest in peace and rise in Paradise.
Honourable Gaston Browne M.P.- Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Pays Tribute to Cricket Legend Sir Garfield Sobers.