State funeral preparations near end at Kensington Oval

Chairman of Kensington Oval Management Inc. Damien Gaskin. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt) Crowds exceeding 10 000 are expected at Kensington Oval on Wednesday as Barbados prepares to bid farewell to the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, with final works underway to ready the venue for one of the largest public tributes in the island’s history. Crews were putting the finishing touches on the historic venue on Tuesday, as Sir Garry’s body lay in state at the Oval. Although the stadium had originally been scheduled to host major Crop Over events, including Pic-O-De-Crop, Chairman of Kensington Oval Management Inc. Damien Gaskin said the transition to a state funeral venue had been completed in just a matter of days. “Rise and then Pic-O-De-Crop were supposed to be at the Oval this year. Those things have obviously adjusted and shifted. We normally have more time to prepare, but we generally stay in a state of readiness. We are a facility that is used consistently.” He noted that the recent international cricket series against New Zealand meant the venue was already in good condition. “The field was in good nick, the grounds and stands were generally clean, but hosting cricket and hosting a state funeral will be different,” Gaskin said. You Might Be Interested In Transforming the Oval into a fitting venue for the national farewell required significant changes, including the installation of a stage, decking, a VIP tent and ceremonial decorations. “In terms of the layout, setting up a stage, putting down the decking, putting in a VIP tent, putting up the bunting to have that feel for a state funeral, all that stuff was done in the last few days,” he said. “Right now we’re just putting the finishing touches.” By the time mourners arrive on Wednesday, Gaskin said the venue will reflect the weight of the occasion. “It should look and feel like we are really honouring the late, great Sir Garry, and we hope thousands come out to pay their respects.” Work crews continued minor cleaning and maintenance on Tuesday, with Gaskin noting that outdoor venues require constant attention. “It’s just very minor stuff really in terms of cleaning. You clean today, tomorrow it’s still dirty, so there are still some minor touch-ups that need to be done.” Tickets had been issued for seating across the 3Ws, Greenidge and Haynes, Hewitt and Inniss, and Hall and Griffith stands, providing approximately 10 000 seats. With additional contingency arrangements in place, Gaskin was anticipating a crowd exceeding that figure. (SB)