The government of Dominica has extended condolences to the family of Sir Lester Bird, former Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda who passed on Monday August 9th , 2021.
Sir Lester was 83 years old when he died following a long illness.
He served as Antigua and Barbuda’s second prime minister from 1994 to 2004 and was known as one of two living national heroes, alongside cricketing legend Sir Vivian Richards who’s now 69.
He was made a Knight of the Order of the National Hero (KNH) by Antigua and Barbuda in 2014.
Sir Lester’s political career began in 1971 when he was nominated for the Antigua and Barbuda Senate. He was also named the chairman of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) and the leader of the opposition in that Senate.
He is remembered as one of the Caribbean’s most illustrious sons, who contributed immensely to the development of Antigua and Barbuda and the wider region.
The Antigua Grammar School-educated politician and former lawyer was also a strong international sportsman who gained success in cricket and long jump.
Sir Lester first joined his father’s government as deputy prime minister. In addition to serving as deputy PM, he also served as a minister of energy and tourism. He successfully benefited from tourism partnerships with foreign investors, including the construction of the Royal Antiguan hotel.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, in his message of condolence, said Bird also served as the first chairman of the organization of Eastern Caribbean States adding that his contribution to the regional integration movement and economic development of Antigua and Barbuda may be “long remembered and honored.”
“Our prayers are with his loved ones and the people of Antigua and Barbuda. May his soul rest in peace.”
The state funeral of former Antigua Prime Minister and national hero, Sir Lester Bryant Bird, is carded for August 26 – with the day to be declared a national holiday. Confirmation came from Antigua’s Prime Minister Chief of Staff, Lionel Hurst.
Flags across the country are being flown at half-mast and will continue until the day of the funeral.
Nice one dissident, well thought commentary.
It’s extremely difficult to understand and find what Skerrit stands for apart from just being this so called Prime (Odd) Minister. Skerrit just does not come across as being an intellectual.
The position he holds on behalf of the people of Dominica is just a Fanfare and Clownish 🤡.
We really need to know what SKERRIT stands for as being referred to as “Prime MINISTER”.
What we see as Joyous from his givings is this so called “Red CLINIC” to attract the poor in need of cash rather than creating jobs, employment for those in need of being employed and not engage in Skerrit:’s Pappyshow Fanfare Clownish 🤡 Red Clinic just to gain fame. To have our poor struggling people walk up the stairs to the Fifth Floor to gain fame through the abuse of States Funds. The question is, what difference does it, or has it made to those families in need of employment to elevate themselves and to take care of their Children. This Red Clinic is Deceptive…
Skerrit is just spilling HYPOCRICY…
Why he could not muster the courage to say the same or more about PJ????
This man called liar Skerrit is a misleader, not a leader.
Doesn’t PJ deserve some honour as well?
Did you write dis Skerrit?
Some people are so thin skinned!
You think that even in death, to give PJ his rightful honour would take some of your shine????
We will give PJ his shine!
On the other hand do you even wonder how we will honour you!!!!
It is always a good thing to wish greetings to a fallen comrade. But it is better to show that charity begins at homeeee!!!
PJ was our first Prime Minister
We are loved twice in our lives, when we are horn and when we die. (That’s a cute little baby. He/ She will be sorely missed)
Lester Bird surely contributed significantly to the development of modern day Antigua and Barbuda. He richly deserves all the recognition, accolades and honor of a grateful nation.
All national flags on public buildings and in public spaces are presently being flown at half-mast. National holiday has been declared on the day of his internment. Wish the same could have been done for Dominica’s FIRST PRIME MINISTER, Patrick John.