Second PM of Antigua and Barbuda dies at 83

The second Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Lester Bird, died at the age of 83. He took his last breath in the morning at 6 am on Monday, August 9, 2021. This information was given by the Prime Minister office of Antigua and Barbuda in the early morning, stating that the country had lost one of the most distinguishes and heroic sons.

The acting Prime Minister ordered that all flags be flown at half-mast and order be executed immediately. As Prime Minister Gaston Browne returned to the country on Monday. The government has also ordered the planning of state-funeral at the date on which all should be agreed.

Sir Lester Bryant served as the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda from 1994 to 2004. In his time, he was a recognized athlete of his country. Sir Bird’s started his political career began in 1971. During that year, he was nominated for the Antigua and Barbuda. He was also named the chairman of the ALP and the Leader of the opposition in that Senate.

In starting his political career, Sir Bird worked in his father’s government as a deputy PM. He after also served as minister of economic development, energy and tourism during his tenure. During his tenure, the foreign investors invested in the tourism sector of Antigua and Barbuda. He was responsible for the construction of the Royal Antiguan hotel at that time.

He also remained as the first chairman of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in 1982; he was again appointed as chairman of the OECS in the year of 1989. During the elections in March 1994, ALP won 11 out of 17 seats under Sir Bird’s leadership.

During the elections, under the leadership of Sir Bird, the government promised open government, an ombudsman to deal with residents’ complaints and new jobs, especially in tourism.

In the year of 2014, Sir Bird was made a Knight of the Order of the National Hero (KNH) by Antigua and Barbuda.