By Hon. E. P. Chet Greene
The United Progressive Party’s (UPP) repeated, self-serving decision to boycott V.C. Bird Day is more than a political disagreement; it is a deliberate act of national disunity that dishonors the very foundation of Antigua and Barbuda.
While nations around the world celebrate their founding fathers, the UPP chooses to wallow in petty obstructionism, proving itself to be a backward-looking entity unworthy of governing a modern nation.
The UPP’s boycott attempts to diminish a legacy that is woven into the very fabric of our nation. Sir Vere’s contributions are not mere historical footnotes.They are the pillars upon which modern Antigua and Barbuda stands and is being built.
Papa Bird’s career began by championing the working class, leading the Antigua Trades and Labour Union to secure better wages, abolish child labor and win the right to annual holidays with pay.
He thereafter spearheaded the nation’s political transformation, serving as our first Chief Minister, Premier and finally, our first Prime Minister upon the attainment of independence in 1981. He is undeniably the architect of our sovereignty and of workers rights.
Foundational Social and Economic Reforms: His leadership delivered transformative national policies, including free education and free medical services, which revolutionized access to opportunity and healthcare for all citizens. He also revolutionized the country’s telecommunications and utilities infrastructure.
The entire nation is in agreement that Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr, was and is our alpha where social transformation and economic reforms are concerned.
A Pillar of Caribbean Integration: Beyond our national borders, V.C. Bird was a dedicated regionalist.
He was instrumental in the movement for Caribbean unity, from the West Indies Federation to being a key signatory of the CARIFTA Agreement in 1965, which later evolved into CARICOM.
The UPP’s posture is isolated and out of step with a universal practice among sovereign nations. Countries globally set aside specific days to honor the singular contributions of their principal national heroes or founding figures.
Right next door to us Saint Kitts and Nevis observes its holiday on September 16, the birthday of its first Premier and a foundational labour activist, Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw.
True to African traditions of honoring and respecting our elders, Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau both commemorate Amílcar Cabral on January 20, the anniversary of his death, honoring his pivotal role in their independence struggles.
The list goes on and on.
This global context exposes the UPP’s stance as an anomalous political stunt, not a principled stand for inclusive recognition.
The party’s actions reveal a character that is fundamentally at odds with progress and national unity.
For a second consecutive year, the UPP has snubbed the official national ceremony to host its own separate event. Their stated reason of protesting the “relegation” of other heroes is a disingenuous smokescreen.
Antigua and Barbuda already has a separate National Heroes Day to collectively honor all other national heroes, making V.C. Bird Day a specific, well deserved tribute to the Father of the Nation. The UPP’s boycott deliberately manufactures conflict where none need exist.
A party that boycotts the celebration of its country’s foundational history is a party that has turned its back on the nation’s journey.
This act signals an inability to build upon the past, preferring instead to fracture it for momentary political gain.
As one online commentator noted, this ongoing boycott “bares no fruit” and contributes to “unnecessary national division.”
Such behavior is not the mark of a viable alternative government but of a faction trapped in perpetual opposition.
The UPP’s boycott of V.C. Bird Day is a shameful and calculated act of historical vandalism.
It disrespects the monumental achievements of Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr., ignores a dignified global tradition and sows needless division.
A party that chooses to stand against the unifying figure of its nation’s birth has irrevocably shown itself to be anything but progressive and wholly unworthy of the responsibility to lead Antigua and Barbuda.
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VC Birdism is a CULT!!!!!
🗣️Chet Greene you are not wanted by Gaston. Why don’t you speak to what Turner is saying regarding the rampant physical and mental abuses in the Nation? Such is far more detrimental to the Nation psyche than someone not celebrating Vere Bird Snr, who can be labeled as a pedo before his administration lowered the legal age of consent to 16 years, as well as proping up polygamy. This is a part of his legacy as well. Hey cutie! How about highlighting the fact that VC Bird Snr opened the doors which gave the Arab community total access to becoming the financial giants in the Nation?
Did VC Bird Snr support you and others who went to Cuba to become better professionals through education?
Well said Hon. Chet Greene….WELL SAID!!!! Papa bird’s contribution to this Nation is unmatched and for that he deserves to be celebrated with his own National Holiday…There is another day for all other heroes to be celebrated and we do honor them but the leaders of the Opposition party’s decision to boycott V.C. Bird day is disrespectful and shows no Unity…..
Poor Chet, you will always be a follower, and to think I thought you were made of sterner stuff. GB is preparing his wife as the next Prime Minister and you as next in line in most people’s thinking are afraid to challenge. You cannot be that afraid of Gaston’s fury. How could I have been that wrong about you
Hold on one doggone minute!
Chet Green has no right at all to speak of disrespect. How dare he, when he says not a word when the master of disrespect Gaston Browne castigates past and present opposition members at each and every opportunity.
Remember you damn fool fool man, respect starts from the top.
Chet should focus on a worthwhile strategy on becoming leader of the ABLP instead of talking hypocritical baloney.
Our politicians are so easy to read and dismantle their spurious arguments.
All ah dem lucky mi never enter politics. Chuptz!