KINGSTON, Jamaica—Minister of Sport Olivia Grange says the Caribbean and the world have lost a titan following the passing of Barbados national hero and cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers on Friday.

“The Caribbean and the world have lost an absolute titan. Sir Garry was not merely a phenomenal sportsman; he was a unifying symbol of West Indian excellence, pride, and identity. He carried the spirit of our region on his shoulders and showed the world the heights that Caribbean genius could reach,” Grange said in a statement.

The sport minister said Jamaica established a special, eternal bond with Sobers.