Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Fmr Antigua PM & National Hero Sir Lester B. Bird dies aged 83

- the National Hero died @ 6:00am this morning, August 9, 2021
Former Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and National hero, Sir Lester Bryant Bird died this morning, August 9, 2021. Photo: Antigua Newsroom
Sir Lester Bryant Bird was the second prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda who served from 1994 to 2004, and he was also a well-recognized athlete. Photo: WIC News
Sir Lester Bryant Bird was the second prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda who served from 1994 to 2004, and he was also a well-recognized athlete. Photo: WIC News
ST JOHN’S, Antigua & Barbuda- Former Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and National hero, Sir Lester Bryant Bird has died.

The Office of the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda announced that Bird, one of the country’s most distinguished and heroic sons, died at 6:00 am today, Monday, August 9, 2021.

He was 83 years of age.

“In consultation with the Prime Minister who returns to the country on Monday, the acting prime minister has ordered that all flags be flown at half-mast beginning immediately. The government has also ordered that planning to commence for a state funeral at an agreed-upon date would be held,” Antigua Newsroom has reported.

In April 2021, Mr Bird had one of his lower legs amputated after being hospitalised with a toe infection.

Sir Lester B. Bird

Sir Lester served as the island’s second prime minister from 1994 to 2004. His father was Antigua and Barbuda’s first prime minister and the lawyer in 1971 became the chairman of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP), which had been formed by his father in 1946.

In March 2004 the ALP was defeated by the United Progressive Party (UPP), with Bird losing his seat, which he regained in 2009.

Sir Lester successfully retained his seat for the Gaston Browne led Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party in the June 12, 2014 election and was appointed to the Cabinet as Senior Minister. He did not contest the last general election.

On November 3, 2014, Sir Lester was named  National Honour of Knight of the Most Exalted Order of National Hero  (KNH), Antigua & Barbuda’s highest honour, for his contribution to national development as an outstanding sportsman, lawyer and parliamentarian for 38 years.

8 Responses to “Fmr Antigua PM & National Hero Sir Lester B. Bird dies aged 83”

  • My girl (09/08/2021, 09:33) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
    He and his father were political giants he was another Ralph t Oneal strong leadership
  • wow (09/08/2021, 10:49) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    WOW heard of him since Primary School. R.I
    p
  • ras (09/08/2021, 11:57) Like (1) Dislike (11) Reply
    Yes just like pm ralph gonsalves of st Vincent . That the rude people them knock down the other day
  • robocop (09/08/2021, 12:21) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    I prefer my heroes not to be tainted by the stench of corruption. How wealthy has the Bird family become while the ordinary folks of Antigua have struggled? Is that the 'heroism' we should be applauding?

    White man corruption = colonialism / Black man corruption = heroism. Is that how it works?
  • hero (09/08/2021, 15:51) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes, there are heroes among thieves, for thieves.
  • Faithful (09/08/2021, 20:58) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    The man done dead and gone. Let the man sleep in peace instead of trying to dirty his name with rumours now that he cant defend himself. Condolence to his family
  • Yes I (10/08/2021, 06:42) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    He died at 83 ! How come the Queen ain’t dying , no Rockerfellas dying, no Rothchilds dying, No Gates Dying, all these wicked people who control the world none dying ! Well Sah. Only we the poor people going through this cleansing, Oh Jah we need a cleansing amount the Rich and wicked too.
  • St. Peter (10/08/2021, 09:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Application for the appointment of a Commissioner to collect evidence - pursuant to a request for judicial assistance from Antigua & Barbuda - for a criminal investigation into Lester Bryant Bird, suspected corruption and fraud. God will be the ultimate judge.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.