The Acting Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Sir Steadroy Cutie Benjamin, has announced that, following consultation with Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Gaston Browne and members of the Cabinet, all flags on public buildings throughout Antigua and Barbuda will be flown at half-mast in honour of the late Sir Garfield Sobers, one of the greatest cricketers in history, whose passing has saddened the cricketing world.
The decision reflects the profound respect and admiration held by the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda for the Barbadian legend, whose extraordinary achievements transcended sport and inspired generations across the Caribbean and beyond.
Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed away at the age of 89, is universally regarded as the greatest all-round cricketer the game has ever produced. During a distinguished international career spanning two decades, he revolutionized cricket with his unparalleled versatility as a batsman, bowler and fielder. A left-handed batting genius, Sobers amassed 8,032 Test runs at an average of 57.78, including 26 centuries, and famously became the first player to hit six consecutive sixes in an over in first-class cricket. His mastery extended beyond the bat, excelling as a fast-medium bowler, left-arm swing bowler and spin bowler, while his brilliance in the field set standards that few have matched.
Acting Prime Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin who is a former player of the game and avid supporter of cricket said the Caribbean has lost one of its brightest sons.
“Sir Garfield Sobers was not merely a cricketing icon; he was a Caribbean icon whose remarkable talent, humility and love for the game united people across nations and generations. His achievements elevated West Indies cricket to unprecedented heights and gave immense pride to every Caribbean citizen. On behalf of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, the Government and people of Barbados, and the entire West Indies cricket fraternity.”
Sir Steadroy noted that the decision to lower the national flags symbolizes Antigua and Barbuda’s gratitude for Sir Garfield’s immense contribution to Caribbean identity and excellence.
“Sir Garfield showed the world that a son of the Caribbean could become the benchmark against which greatness is measured. His legacy will continue to inspire young athletes to pursue excellence with discipline, courage and imagination. Flying our flags at half-mast is a fitting tribute to a man whose influence reached far beyond the boundary ropes.”
The Acting Prime Minister also acknowledged the close ties shared among Caribbean nations and emphasized that Sir Garfield Sobers belonged not only to Barbados but to the entire region.
“At moments such as these, the Caribbean mourns as one family. Sir Garfield Sobers represented the very best of our region—extraordinary ability, resilience, confidence and grace. His life serves as a reminder of what Caribbean people can achieve on the world stage.”
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda joins governments, sporting organizations and millions of admirers across the world in paying tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers, whose legacy as the complete cricketer and one of the greatest sporting figures of all time will endure for generations.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Orders Flags Flown at Half-Mast in Honour of Sir Garfield Sobers.