December 12, 2025
KINGSTON, JAMAICA – The West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) commends former West Indies fast bowler, Joel Garner, on receiving Barbados’ highest national award, the Order of Freedom.
Joel “Big Bird” Garner, born December 1952, received the prestigious award as part of Barbados’ 2025 Independence and Republic celebrations for “his outstanding leadership as a distinguished sports administrator, sterling service to national cricket development and extraordinary contribution to West Indies and Barbados cricket as one of the greatest fast bowlers in history.”
Garner played for the West Indies between 1977 and 1987, taking 259 Test wickets at an average of 20.97 and economy of 2.47, and 146 One Day International (ODI) wickets at an average of 18.84 and economy of 3.09, the best career economy rate in ODIs of any cricketer.
WIPA President and CEO, Wavell Hinds, remarked, “On behalf of the board, management, staff and members of the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA), I whole-heartedly commend the legendary Joel Garner on being conferred with the Order of Freedom of Barbados. It is a most deserving recognition.”
-ENDS