Daughter of VC Bird Reflects on Legacy, Challenges Nation to Honor His Vision
The daughter of Antigua and Barbuda’s national hero, Vere Cornwall Bird Sr., Dr. Lisette Bird-Pickens, delivered a powerful reflection on her father’s legacy. She urged the nation to embrace the values of unity, faith, and service that her father embodied throughout his life and leadership.
Speaking to a congregation filled with members of the community who shared her father’s journey, she recalled fond memories of attending church with him as a child. She described sitting in the front pews, soaking in the fellowship and worship, which she credited with laying the foundation of her own faith.
“My father, the great forefather of our nation, instilled within me the power of community and the true meaning of servant leadership,” she said. She reflected on how The Salvation Army was not just a place of worship for VC Bird but a sanctuary that shaped his values and grounded him as a leader.
In a poignant moment, she revealed that it was in this very church that her father’s earthly journey concluded. “It was here that his soul and spirit were literally ushered into the arms of our Lord,” she shared.
Drawing comparisons to the Apostle Paul, she noted that like Paul, her father was not perfect but lived with a profound sense of purpose and faith. She highlighted his humility, describing his simple lifestyle and lack of concern for material wealth or personal recognition. “He didn’t seek wealth or stature; his only focus was on the people,” she remarked, sharing a lighthearted memory of his two favorite suits and his iconic “Jesus sandals.”
The speech also emphasized VC Bird’s enduring legacy, which she described as “footprints, not fleeting footsteps.” She explained that while footsteps may fade with time, her father’s contributions left an indelible mark on the nation, providing a clear path for future generations.
“We are the beneficiaries of his sacrifices and perseverance,” she said. “If we want to truly honor him, we must follow his example, not as spectators but as builders.” She urged the congregation to use his vision as a blueprint for genuine nation-building and to create ripples of positive change, much like skipping stones on water.
Her heartfelt tribute also reflected on her personal relationship with VC Bird. “To an entire country, my father was a giant of a leader. To me, he was simply Daddy,” she said, expressing gratitude for the lessons he imparted and the love he shared.
She concluded with a challenge to the nation to ensure VC Bird’s vision continues to shape the future of Antigua and Barbuda. “Let us follow his footprints and make his legacy endure far beyond our lifetimes,” she implored.
The service, held as part of the lead-up to VC Bird Day, was a stirring reminder of the late leader’s profound impact on the nation and a call to action for all Antiguans and Barbudans to embody the principles he held dear.
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And nowhere in this article is her name mentioned. Great journalism
If today politicians will have the same principles of the father of the nation this country will be in a better place , but greed has taken over, with their self enrichment schemes.
@Smh
Vere Cornwall Bird Snr. laid the foundation for the current Comrades and those of the past 30years of his own Antigua Labour Party to create and establish those self enchantment schemes enhanced by greed.
Do you recall how he, Vere C. Bird, Snr encouraged his cabinet members and other cronies, to wear as many hats, as they can fit on their heads? This era is tied directly to what is transpiring in the Natuon presently.
While he may have spearheaded the way for the purchasing, of a portion, of the then syndicate lands; those lands were purchased by the indigenous people.
Now, as we all know, and is paying more attention to how valuable these lands are, there is barely enough to accomplish many of the goals which should and could sustain the Nation for Centuries to come; whereby, we are masters of our own destiny, as it pertains to the basic staples of life, as in FOOD, SHELTER and CLOTHING.
It’s ironic, that he Vere Cornwall Bird, Snr; allegedly spoke to the fact, that the Serians, Lebanese, Expats, and the regurgitated #BACCRAH had gained economic power in the Nation (ask yourself, which/whose governments and Cabinets would’ve being responsible for such); and, the day, that they gain POLITICAL POWER will be the nail in the coffin, for the generations of the indigenous people who are left to weather the storm.
While Gaston Browne, the present Prime Minister is outwardly showing concerns for the poor and downtrodden, the REALITY if it is, he’s the pied piper paid to play the tunes of the Oligarchs and Plutocrats, to lull the People to sleep as they SNATCH POLITICAL POWER from the PEOPLE.
So, with ECONOMIC POWER lost decades ago, and the POLITICAL POWER being snatched away from the people the Nation just might descend into what SERIA is today forty(40) years from now.
Oh, as for TOURISM, once the shit hits, these International Conglomerates would’ve already made their profits from using our resources and will leave those buildings behind, as they collect on their property insurances and assurances.
Bear in mind, during this forty year stretch 0.01 percent of every 1000 might become a millionaire, but the 95.9 percent will remain poor and still living hand to mouth.
Fancy clothes, curled eyelashes, BBL’s, stilettos, plastic hair and souped_up cars are not assets which move the needle towards true and real independence.
Ras Smood aka Jumbee_Picknee
De’ole Dutty Peg🦉Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
A truly remarkable human being. A Caribbean leader, an Antiguan Barbudan Patriot and visionary. He was indeed a human being with all the frailties and issues that us humans have but he stand on his shoulders as he paved the way for our remarkable, prosperous journey throughout this life. The legend grows long after he has departed this life. We must always remember this day as he is indeed the Father of our nation.
Let us join in providing Ras. Smood and Co.Ltd a one way ticket to his home – to hell, of course!
Brainwashed, ignorant, envious, worthless!
@ not so common…..first paragraph.
Not So Common….
Please go and read the article because it’s obvious that you did not.
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