Having viewed the State funeral of The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, held in Barbados yesterday, July 29, some locals are asking why Minister of Sports Dwayne George was not in attendance to represent Antigua and Barbuda.
Sir Anderson Roberts and National Hero Sir Vivian Richards – the country’s first and second Test cricketers, respectively – and Sir Curtley Ambrose were on hand to pay their last respects to the cricketing legend, whose image graced the giant screen in New York’s Times Square yesterday.
However, it had been said, earlier, that Minister George would head the delegation to the funeral.
Some sources claim that Minister George was unable to get a flight to Barbados. But this excuse is rubbished by other residents, who note that the funeral date was known well in advance and that Government, as a shareholder in LIAT 20, could have arranged a special flight for the delegation.
Others are contending that George – who is also the minister responsible for Carnival – had conflicting duties here, as the festival is now underway.
But Opposition Senator Chester Hughes says that is no excuse for missing a funeral of such regional and international importance, especially since Antigua and Barbuda will be hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November. “And what sport is more Commonwealth than cricket?” he asked.
