Government officials and members of the business community honour Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr.
JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – 12thDecember 2023…….Government Officials and members of the business community gathered at the Sir. V. C. Bird Sr. bust on lower Market Street on Monday, to pay homage to the late Father of the Nation, Sir. Vere Cornwall Bird Sr.
Sir V. C. Bird day, a public holiday in Antigua and Barbuda was designed to honour and celebrate the work of the nation’s most famous National Hero – politician and trade unionist.
The feature address at event was delivered by Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne who based his remarks on Sir V.C. Bird’s life of service for the people of Antigua and Barbuda and implored the audience, in the words of John F. Kennedy for them to ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. He spoke of the progress of Antigua and Barbuda from the days of Sir V.C Bird to today under the leadership of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. The Prime Minister also spoke of efforts by his government to make Antigua and Barbuda an economic powerhouse.
The ceremony concluded with a march-past by military and police officers.
We present a brief biography of Sir. Vere Cornwall Bird Sr. and photographs by Wayne Marriott from the ceremony.
Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, KNH, OCC (1910-1999)
In Antigua and Barbuda, Sir VC Bird is revered as the Father of the Nation. He holds the distinction of being the first premier and the first prime minister of the twin-island nation.
Sir Vere’s astuteness as a leader belied the fact that his formal education ended at the primary school level at what was then St. John’s Boys School now known as TN Kirnon.
Sir Vere’s work experience in both the Salvation Army and the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) laid the foundation for his interests in unionism and politics.
Incensed by the treatment meted out to black Antiguans and Barbudans by landowners, Sir Vere became a founding member of the AT&LU. He rose to the presidency of the now venerable organization in 1943 and, by 1945, he was elected to the Colonial Legislature.
Sir Vere formed the Antigua Labour Party, which would become indivisible from the union. He became the first and only chief minister of the country, was the first and last premier, and led the country to independence in 1981. Sir Vere served as prime minister until 1994.
His fierce patriotism and commitment to the working class are legendary, as was his dedication to regionalism.
Sir Vere ardently supported the West Indies Federation, and when that collapsed in 1962, was at the forefront in negotiations for the “Little Eight” countries. In 1965, along with premiers Errol Barrow of Barbados and Forbes Burnham of Guyana, Sir Vere led the introduction of the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA). CARIFTA eventually led to the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM).
Sir Vere received the country’s highest honour, Knight of the Order of National Hero, in 1994. In 1998 he received the Order of the Caribbean Community, the region’s highest honour.
December 9, the day he was born, is set aside on the national calendar as a public holiday called Sir V.C. Bird Day.
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Every year when we are celebrating this man’s birthday. A man we have given the highest of our award and even called him the Father of the Nation, it hurts my heart to see that Antiguans and Barbudans are still so divided just because of politics. No sign of any UPP member of parliament around. To pay the respect that this man deserve, not because of politics, but because of his accomplishments. They just cannot rise above the political fray. How then will we ever built this country together. A country we all claim to love. However it seems like when one is building the other is tearing down. I can only cry for Antigua and Barbuda, with such divided people. But I have hope in God that he will raise a generation that can truly raise above any political party and put the country first. As Kublai once sang, “They want me put party before country”. And we have somany other calypsonians singing such beautiful song about this fair land of our. Songs that would make any other country jealous when they hear them. I pray that this tribal war has to stop sooner rather then later. For the betterment of this beautiful country. Antigua and Barbuda. One People, One Nation, with One Common Destiny.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqAFs1XS_c4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MQe9Sq8FCs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI_2aQwYA8s
Yes! A True Dat. He truly exmplefied what is most Noble and Bold: with his Indomitable spirit and, vision of a people deserving the asperations of sovereign nationhood. His legacy is cemented in his selfless toil for the just cause of the downtrodden and, the have nots tillers of the soil: against the plantocracy of England’s colonial ravishment and disgorgement of our marooned abondon lot, to this day of our enlightenment as a proud people with partisan divide . Bless be the name of V.C.B ( Papa Bird) as with humble reverence and, truth. I Salute You. “Sir”
I really love him and his numerous accomplishments for the people is remarkable; even distinguishable.
However, in dealing with INVESTOR’S, the Honorable Lester Bird is the king. His negotiations with “pre-president” Donald Trump is a SAMPLE.
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