Second PM of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Lester Bird dies at 83

Monday, 9th August 2021

Antigua and Barbuda: Former Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Lester Bird (83), died at 6 am on Monday morning, August 9, 2021. Office of Prime Minister Antigua and Barbuda announced early morning that the country has lost one of its most distinguished and heroic sons. 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.

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. Sir Bird’s political career began in 1971 he was nominated for the Antigua and Barbuda Senate. He was also named the chairman of the ALP and the Leader of the opposition in that Senate.

Sir Bird first joined his father’s government as deputy prime minister. In addition to serving as deputy PM, he also served as a minister of economic development, energy and tourism. He successfully benefited from tourism partnerships with foreign investors, including the construction of the Royal Antiguan hotel in that time.

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Sir Lester Bird[/caption] Following the independence in 1981, Sir Bird was given external affairs portfolio, and he was also the first chairman of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in 1982, he was again appointed as chairman of the OECS in 1989.

During March 1994 elections, and the ALP under Sir Bird’s leadership won 11 out of 17 seats. During these elections, the administration under Sir Bird promised open government, an ombudsman to deal with citizens’ complaints and new jobs, especially in tourism.

Sir Bird first assumed the Prime Minister office on March 9, 1994.

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