December 9, 2025 – Antigua and Barbuda’s founding father, The Right Honourable Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr., was born 116 years ago today. A giant carved from cane fields and conviction, he spent his entire life fighting to become the change he wanted to see for this twin-island nation. In doing so, he led the development of the very socio-economic foundation on which modern Antigua and Barbuda stands.

Yet, even as we mark this day, I find myself listening, puzzled, at some of the public conversations unfolding. There are those insisting that Sir Vere’s legacy cannot be celebrated on its own merit, as though the arc of his leadership is somehow too controversial, too imperfect, or too political to honour fully.

And these very voices, without hesitation, pay glowing homage to Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr., among others, revering their decades-long struggles, the environments that shaped them, and the transformational justice they pursued. Mandela fought apartheid primarily from a prison cell thousands of miles away. Dr. King spent a lifetime on the frontlines of segregation in a country not our own. And we embrace their legacy from a distance.

So why can’t we, in the same spirit, recognize the pace set by Sir Vere right here on our own soil, where he guided a small, resource-limited island through labor revolution, structural reforms, institution-building, national development, and ultimately independence? Why do some continue to wrestle with the irony and small-minded political pettiness that once led to the removal of V. C. Bird Day as a national holiday?

Sir V C Bird Day is designed to honour the Father of the Nation. It is a day meant to remind us of how far we’ve come and who carried us there. We lay wreaths. We recite lines. We nod gravely. 

Today, I challenge us to inject the missing substance, the scholarship and teachings of his legacy. We need to immediately move to made accessible the archival story of his life and time and those who held his hands, building the foundation of our nation today.

Sir Vere’s story is not ornamental; it is our foundation. His journey charts the rise of a nation: First Chief Minister, First Premier, First Prime Minister, First National Hero. These are not ceremonial titles. They are the architecture of Antigua & Barbuda’s political and socio-economic evolution.

Sir Vere fought vigorously, sometimes controversially, always relentlessly. He fought for workers’ rights, for ownership, for dignity. He fought within the AT&LU and the ALP. He fought oppressive systems.

His life teaches one enduring lesson: If you want something, do not expect it on a silver platter. Learn the game. Engage the system. Empower your people. Fight for the future.

While the annual wreath-laying and speeches bring ceremonial and symbolic value, the best way to honour Sir Vere is to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda continues to move to its next level in governance, economic resilience, social progress, and national unity.  And this journey to becoming an economic powerhouse aptly pays that tribute, daily. We are building on the foundation he laid.

To accompany these vital building blocks, we must reinforce the foundation, guard against its deterioration by telling his story with depth, accuracy, and pride.  Protect and preserve the legacy of Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr., the Father of the Nation, Papa Bird.

The Legacy We Refuse to Curate

Sir Vere’s bust stands at Market Street, but where is the accompanying story? The airport bears his name, but where is the summary of his legacy? The head and names on Lower High Street, what story do they tell? Where can we find the details?

And lest we forget the ultimate disrespect: the AT&LU has had to abandon its own historic headquarters due to poor maintenance, the very home of the labour movement that elevated Sir Vere to national leadership.

Meanwhile, those who wish to devalue his contribution never miss a moment. They spew negativity faithfully, some even scribing distortions into the public record.

Yes, we hold annual commemorations at The Salvation Army Citadel and at the bust. But where can we see and celebrate the work he did daily?

A nation that refuses to preserve its memory will forever be vulnerable to those who rewrite it. Sir Vere deserves better. And so does Antigua and Barbuda.