Lester Bird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Lester Bird
KNH
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| 2nd Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda | ||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 9 March 1994 – 24 August 2004 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II | |||||||||||||||||||
| Governor-General | James Carlisle | |||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Vere Bird | |||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Baldwin Spencer | |||||||||||||||||||
| Finance Minister of Antigua and Barbuda | ||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 1991–1991 |
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| Prime Minister | Vere Bird | |||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | John Eugene St. Luce | |||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Molwyn Joseph | |||||||||||||||||||
| Finance Minister of Antigua and Barbuda | ||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 2001–2003 |
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| Prime Minister | himself | |||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | John Eugene St. Luce | |||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Robin Yearwood | |||||||||||||||||||
| Personal details | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 21 February 1938 New York City, New York, U.S. |
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| Died | 9 August 2021 (aged 83) Hodges Bay, Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda |
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| Political party | Labour | |||||||||||||||||||
| Alma mater | University of Michigan | |||||||||||||||||||
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Sir Lester Bryant Bird (born February 21, 1938 – died August 9, 2021) was an important politician and athlete from Antigua and Barbuda. He served as the second Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda from 1994 to 2004. Before becoming Prime Minister, he was the chairman of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) from 1971 to 1983. He took over as Prime Minister after his father, Sir Vere Bird, stepped down.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Lester Bird was born in New York City on February 21, 1938. He went to Antigua Grammar School and was raised as a Methodist. In his younger years, Bird was a talented athlete. He played cricket for the Leeward Islands. He was also a champion in the long jump.
Sports Achievements
In 1959, he won a bronze medal in the long jump at the 1959 Pan American Games in Chicago. He was representing the British West Indies at the time. He then attended the University of Michigan in the United States. There, he was recognized as an All-American long jumper in 1960. He graduated from the university in 1962. After that, Bird studied law in Britain and became a lawyer in 1969. From 1969 to 1976, he worked as a lawyer in Antigua.
Political Career
Lester Bird's political journey began in 1971. He was chosen to be a member of the Senate. The Antigua Labour Party (ALP) was not in power at that time. Bird became the chairman of the ALP and the leader of the opposition in the Senate. He continued in this role until 1976.
Joining the Government
In 1976, the ALP won the elections and returned to power. Bird was elected to the House of Representatives. He then joined his father's government as the Deputy Prime Minister. He also served as the Minister of Economic Development, Tourism, and Energy.
International Roles
After Antigua and Barbuda became independent in 1981, Bird took on the role of Minister of External Affairs. He was also the first chairman of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in 1982. He served as chairman of the OECS again in 1989.
Becoming Prime Minister
The ALP government, led by Lester Bird, won elections in 1994 and 1999. These elections had some disagreements and concerns raised by other political parties.
Before becoming Prime Minister, there was a period of change within the ALP. Lester Bird's father, Sir Vere Bird, decided to step down. In 1992, Sir Vere announced he would leave office at the 1994 general elections. The ALP then had to choose a new leader. In September 1993, Lester Bird won the leadership of the party.
In the March 1994 elections, the ALP won 11 out of 17 seats. Lester Bird became the Prime Minister on March 9, 1994. He promised to have an open government and create new jobs, especially in tourism. As Prime Minister, he also held important roles like Minister of External Affairs and Minister of Finance.
Later Political Years
In the 1999 elections, the ALP won even more seats, holding 12 in total. Bird continued as Prime Minister.
In the March 2004 election, the ALP lost to the United Progressive Party (UPP). Bird's party lost eight seats, and he lost his own seat to Errol Cort.
Even after the 2004 defeat, Bird remained the ALP's political leader. He led the party in the March 2009 election. Although the ALP did not win, they gained 3 seats. Bird also won back his own seat. He then became the Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition.
In 2012, Gaston Browne took over as the leader of the ALP. In the June 2014 general election, Bird won a seat again. In 2014, he was given the title of Knight of the Order of the National Hero (KNH) by Antigua and Barbuda.
Death
Sir Lester Bird passed away on August 9, 2021, at the age of 83.
Images for kids
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Sir Lester Bird speaking to an audience.
See also
In Spanish: Lester Bird para niños
