The Caribbean nation of Barbados has entered a period of national grief following the death of Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, one of its most revered national heroes and the greatest cricket players to ever grace the sport. In an official national address delivered on Friday, July 17, Prime Minister Mia Mottley confirmed the passing of the icon, universally known to fans and loved ones as Sir Gary, and outlined official plans to honor his extraordinary life and legacy.
Per the government’s official proclamation, July 17 has been formally designated as the first Day of National Mourning. A second national day of remembrance will be held on the date of Sir Garfield Sobers’ interment, with all official government functions canceled across both days to allow the nation to pause and pay tribute. In addition, Mottley ordered that the national flag of Barbados be lowered to half-staff effective immediately, and it will remain at half-staff through the date of the funeral and burial.
To ensure the ceremony honors Sobers’ standing as a national icon, the Prime Minister announced that Senator Lisa Cummins has been appointed to lead coordination of the state-level funeral, working in close partnership with the Barbados Cabinet Office and the Barbados Defence Force. Mottley confirmed that additional details regarding the exact date, venue and full arrangements for the state funeral will be released to the public in due course by Cummins’ coordination team.
Opening her address, Mottley framed the moment as a solemn hour not only for Barbados, but for the entire Caribbean region and the global cricket community. “It is with profound sadness that I now advise the people of Barbados, the region and the wider cricketing world of the passing of The Right Excellent Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, our beloved Sir Gary,” she said.
On behalf of the government and people of Barbados, the Prime Minister extended formal condolences to Sobers’ entire family, including his three children Matthew, Daniel and Genevieve, stepchildren Stuart and Trisha, his grandchildren, former wife Prue, brother Cecil, as well as his extended network of friends, colleagues and millions of admirers across the globe.
In closing her emotional tribute, Mottley paid homage to Sobers’ indelible impact on his home nation and the world of sport. “Sir Gary, Barbados stands for you. The West Indies stands for you. The world stands for you,” she said. “For an innings that was so well played, Sir Gary, so well played. We will always love you.”