Last Updated on August 9, 2021, 8:06 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The official statement said that the former Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Lester Bird, died on Monday morning. He was 83-year-old and passed away at 6 am on August 9.
The office of the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne said the nation lost its most distinguished and heroic sons.
In consultation with the Prime Minister who returns to the country on Monday, the acting prime minister has announced that all flags be hopped at half-mast.
Sir Lester Bryant Bird served from 1994 to 2004 and was the second Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. He was also a well-recognised name in athletics. His father Sir Vere Cornwall Bird was the first Prime Minister of the country.
Lester Bryant Bird was attained education from the Antigua Grammar School, the University of Michigan, and Gray’s Inn, London. Between 1969 and 1976. He was also a lawyer in private practice before entering politics.
Bird began his political career in 1971 when he was named for anti-Goa and Barbara Senate.
He also joined his father’s government as a deputy prime minister. He also served as a minister of economic development, energy and tourism. Sir Bird successfully availed from tourism partnerships with foreign investors, including the development of the Royal Antiguan hotel in that time.
Following the Independence of Antigua and Barbuda in 1981, Sir Lester Bryant Bird given external affairs ministry.
In 1982 he became the first chairman of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). He was again elected as chairman of the OECS in 1989.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
