Former chief justice Sir David Simmonds said Sir Garfield Sobers’ extraordinary performances in 1966 helped to instil national confidence on the eve of independence, offering a powerful symbol of excellence and self-belief at a pivotal moment in the country’s history.

Delivering a tribute during Wednesday’s state funeral at Kensington Oval, he pointed out that Sir Garry’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming the world’s greatest cricketer coincided with the Caribbean’s own journey towards self-government and independence.

Touching on the importance of Barbadians being inspired and imbued with self-confidence during the period, and the need to hold on to the belief that the country could make a success of independence, Sir David said this was provided by Sir Garry securing 722 runs in a Test series, with an average of 103 runs per game, and taking 20 wickets and ten catches while at Lord’s in England.