Barbadians lined around the Parliament Buildings on Monday to pay their final respects to National Hero the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, as hundreds filed past his casket and signed the condolence book in honour of the cricket legend whose legacy transcended Barbados and the sporting world.

Members of the public patiently waited in long queues for an opportunity to view Sir Garfield lying in state. While condolence books were also available at several locations across the island, from the General Post Office in the City to the David Thompson Health and Social Services Complex in St John, the House of Assembly chamber became the focal point for those wanting to say a final farewell.

For Anthony Beckles, the moment was deeply personal.