CARICOM mourns Sir Garfield Sobers, praising skill and grace

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Regional leaders have paid tribute to late West Indies star Sir Garfield Sobers, casting him as a figure of outstanding talent and quiet dignity.

CARICOM released the remarks after Sir Garry died on Friday in Barbados, aged 89. The grouping called him a towering presence in the sport and in public life.

“The Caribbean Community joins the Government and people of Barbados and the global cricket fraternity in mourning the passing of cricket legend, Sir Garfield Sobers.

“A son of the Caribbean, Sir Garfield embodied the excellence and resilience that define our community. His brilliance on the field, and his humility and graciousness beyond it, transcended the boundaries of cricket and earned him global recognition and admiration,” the statement read.

“In acknowledgement of his remarkable talent and impact, he was deservedly conferred with CARICOM’s highest honour, the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) in 1998.

“His legacy lives on in the generations he has inspired to pursue excellence and represent the Caribbean with distinction.

“CARICOM extends deepest condolences to the Government and people of Barbados, his loved ones, cricket aficionados across the region and the world, and all who mourn his passing,” it further added.