Prime Minister Gaston Browne drew parallels between his journey and that of Antigua and Barbuda’s first national hero, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr., as he reflected on their shared commitment to overcoming poverty and fostering prosperity during the VC Bird Day celebration.
Speaking at the event commemorating the late leader, Browne described Sir Vere’s rise from abject poverty to national prominence as a testament to resilience, self-education, and determination. He highlighted Sir Vere’s legacy as a property owner, entrepreneur, and transformative leader who uplifted the nation through his tireless efforts.
“Sir Vere Bird grew up in poverty, yet he recognized the importance of lifting himself by his own bootstraps,” Browne said. “He educated himself and became one of the most significant property owners on the island, creating wealth not just for himself but as an example for others.”
The prime minister shared his own story of humble beginnings, emphasizing how both leaders were shaped by hardship and inspired to create opportunities for their fellow citizens. Browne reaffirmed his administration’s focus on wealth creation as a path to eliminating poverty, noting that a self-sufficient nation requires citizens to embrace opportunities for economic empowerment.
“It is a fallacy to believe that modesty requires poverty,” Browne stated. “We cannot eliminate poverty by remaining poor. Like Sir Vere Bird, we must aspire to lift ourselves and our country to greater heights.”
Browne pointed to his government’s achievements, including the elimination of personal income tax, record-breaking economic growth, and initiatives to provide land for entrepreneurial ventures such as Airbnb properties. These efforts, he said, are rooted in the philosophy that a nation must build wealth to secure a brighter future for its citizens.
“Sir Vere’s legacy teaches us that our story is not just about us—it’s about the generations to come,” Browne concluded. “We have a duty to ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit a nation that is stronger, wealthier, and more unified than ever before.”
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