During this year’s VC Bird Day celebration, Prime Minister Gaston Browne underscored the enduring relevance of Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr.’s contributions, framing them as a blueprint for modern development in Antigua and Barbuda. Browne highlighted the late leader’s advocacy for wealth creation as a vital tool for national upliftment.
Addressing a crowd gathered in honor of the national hero, Browne reflected on Sir Vere’s rise from poverty to prominence as a self-taught visionary. He praised Sir Vere’s ability to overcome adversity and described his legacy as a roadmap for economic empowerment.
“Sir Vere Bird grew up in poverty, yet he refused to let his circumstances define him,” Browne said. “He became one of the most significant property owners on the island, setting an example of resilience and entrepreneurship.”
Browne pointed out that Sir Vere’s story aligns with the Labour Party’s commitment to eliminating poverty through wealth creation. He argued that fostering economic empowerment is essential for improving the nation’s quality of life and achieving sustainable development.
“The Labour Party is about eliminating poverty,” Browne declared. “You can’t eliminate poverty by remaining poor. Sir Vere understood this, and his legacy continues to guide us.”
The prime minister highlighted several initiatives under his administration aimed at building on Sir Vere’s foundation. These included eliminating personal income tax, providing duty-free concessions, and offering land for entrepreneurial ventures. Browne framed these efforts as part of a broader strategy to empower citizens and close the gap between the wealthy and the less fortunate.
Browne also addressed criticisms of wealth creation, pushing back against notions that equate modesty with poverty. He described such beliefs as outdated and counterproductive to the nation’s goals.
“It is a fallacy to believe that modesty requires poverty,” he said. “We must lift ourselves and our nation to greater heights, just as Sir Vere did.”
The prime minister concluded his remarks with a call for citizens to embrace the values of hard work, education, and entrepreneurship championed by Sir Vere. He urged Antiguans and Barbudans to view wealth creation as a collective responsibility that benefits not just individuals, but future generations.
“Sir Vere’s legacy teaches us that our story is not just about us—it’s about the generations to come,” Browne said. “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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