Antigua and Barbuda paused today in solemn pride and national reflection as the country observed the annual public holiday in honour of the Father of the Nation, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr. The ceremony, held at his bust on Lower All Saints Road, once again brought into sharp focus the towering legacy of the man who led Antigua and Barbuda from colonial hardship into political maturity and full independence.

Government officials, members of the Bird family, representatives from the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU), the Diplomatic Corps, and citizens gathered to lay wreaths and pay tribute to the man whose vision and unwavering devotion shaped the nation’s destiny.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, delivering the feature address, declared that Sir Vere’s legacy would forever endure as a symbol of nation-building, sacrifice, and deep affection for the people, particularly the youth of Antigua and Barbuda.

“Sir Vere will go down in history as one who cared deeply for the young people of this nation,” Browne said.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne delivers address at V.C. Bird memorial ceremony (screenshot of ABS)

He emphasized that it was Sir Vere’s belief in education, social mobility, and empowerment of the working class that fueled the nation’s transformation.

Browne pledged that the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party would continue to carry that torch.

“Education is one of the engines of growth and development, and we will continue to advance all aspects of education,” he added.

He appealed directly to the young people of the nation to “join the fight” and continue building on the foundation laid by Sir Vere:

“Just as he did, I urge our young people to play their part—to serve, to innovate, and to uplift their country.”

Family Honors a Legacy Built in Blood, Sweat, and Vision

Speaking on behalf of the Bird family, Sean Bird reflected warmly, yet profoundly, on his grandfather’s unrelenting devotion to national service.

“He had the heart of the nation in his blood,” Sean said.

He reminded the audience that Sir Vere remained faithful to the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party until the very end of his life, a testament to his lifelong mission of championing workers, uplifting families, and broadening opportunities for the underprivileged.

Sean described Sir Vere’s contributions as the very “foundation of modern Antigua and Barbuda,” adding:

Sean Bird (screenshot of ABS)

“We are standing on that foundation. The question is whether we understand it—and whether we will protect it.”

He urged citizens to honour the late leader’s legacy not only with ceremony, but with action, unity, and a commitment to advancing the values he fought for.

ABLP Chairman Chet Greene Calls Sir Vere the ‘Chief Engineer of Our Political Destiny’

ABLP Chairman E.P. Chet Greene delivered a stirring tribute, reminding the nation of Sir Vere’s monumental achievements—from pioneering trade unionism, to expanding access to education and healthcare, to ushering in the era of internal self-government.

Minister E.P. Chet Greene (screenshot of ABS)

Greene noted that Sir Vere helped build the pillars that continue to support Antigua and Barbuda today: education, health, economic empowerment, and labour rights.

Prime Minister Browne echoed this sentiment, declaring:

“Sir Vere was the chief engineer of our political destiny. He fought for and won universal adult suffrage, internal self-government, and ultimately, full independence. He fashioned our Constitution, guaranteeing the civil and human rights we enjoy today.”

A Legacy That Lives in Every Corner of Antigua and Barbuda

Sir Vere Cornwall Bird’s imprint remains visible across the nation—from the expansion of education to the building of national infrastructure, from workers’ rights to the establishment of social institutions that continue to serve the people today.

For many, he was not just a political leader, but a father figure who saw the potential in every citizen, especially the youth. His unwavering belief that education could transform lives and communities remains one of the strongest legacies of his leadership.

As wreaths were laid and music played softly in the background, the ceremony served as a reminder that the work of nation-building never ends, and that each generation must recommit itself to the ideals of unity, sacrifice, and service.