Former Prime Minister and National hero of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Lester Bird, passed away at his home, on Monday 9th August.
He was 83 years old.
Not only was Sir Lester a well know and beloved parliamentarian, but he had some success as a sportsman as well.
He was a former fast bowler for Antigua and Barbuda and the Leeward Islands and was a standout long jumper. He actually won a bronze medal for the long jump in the 1957 Pan American Games, representing the West Indies.
President of the West Indies Cricket Board, Mr Ricky Skerritt, paid the following tribute to the great man:
“Cricket West Indies (CWI) joins the Government and people of Antigua & Barbuda in sending condolences to the family of the late Honourable Sir Lester Bird, National Hero.
It was Sir Lester’s visionary leadership while serving as Prime Minister that was partly responsible for relocating the headquarters of CWI to Antigua more than two decades ago.
In so doing, Sir Lester Bird helped to pioneer the concept of public and private partnership in regional sport development. Sir Lester was also a past President of the Antigua & Barbuda Cricket Association and was a life-long West Indies cricket enthusiast. May Sir Lester’s soul rest in eternal peace.”
– President Ricky Skerritt