Barbados Gov’t sets date for funeral for Sir Garry Sobers

Barbados is preparing to honor its National Hero and legendary former West Indies cricket captain, Sir Garry Sobers, with a state funeral. The service will take place on July 29 at the iconic Kensington Oval, a venue deeply associated with Sir Garry's illustrious career.

Sir Garry, widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, passed away last Friday at the age of 89. Health and Wellness Minister Lisa Cummins announced the funeral details, emphasizing that Kensington Oval is "where Sir Garry is best known" and "one of the iconic cricketing grounds." The ceremony is intended as a thanksgiving service befitting a state funeral.

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The State Funeral for the Right Excellence, Sir Garry Sobers, is going to be held at Kensington at 10:00 am on July 29th. This is the Mecca, this is where Sir Garry is best known, this is one of the iconic cricketing grounds, and so we will send him off in a thanksgiving ceremony that will take the format of a state funeral on the 29th of July.

"He is our own, he is a Barbadian first and foremost, he is loved by our people but he is also a family man," Minister Cummins stated at a news conference. She highlighted that the planning team includes a representative of the Sobers family, Lady Carol Jacobs, to ensure the family's wishes are incorporated into the arrangements.

Since his death, tributes have poured in from around the world for the Barbadian cricket icon. Sir Garry, who resided in Highgate Gardens, left an indelible mark on the sport with his exceptional batting, bowling, and fielding skills.

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But we also have to acknowledge that he is our own, he is a Barbadian first and foremost, he is loved by our people but he is also a family man.