Montserrat Pays Tribute to Fallen Former Antigua/Barbuda Prime Minister and National Hero Lester Bryant Bird

Premier, the Honourable Joseph Farrell has extended heartfelt condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister and National Hero of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Lester Bird who passed away early Monday morning.

A Government Information Unit (GIU) press release says Sir Lester is credited with facilitating unrestricted entry to Antigua and indefinite stay for Montserratians during the height of the volcanic eruptions in the 1990s.

According to the release, the Government and people of Montserrat mourn this great loss not only for Antigua and Barbuda, who has lost a great son of the soil, but also the Eastern Caribbean who have lost a great thinker, bold orator and tireless advocate for small island states.

In conveying sympathies to the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Honourable Gaston Browne, Premier Farrell affirms that the thoughts and prayers of Montserratians are with the family of Sir Lester Bird as well as the people and Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

Meantime,

A former Premier and close friend of former Antigua/Barbuda Prime Minister Sir Lester Bryant Bird has paid tribute to the fallen national hero.

Family members said Sir Lester passed away early Monday morning after a lengthy period with health complications

Reuben T. Meade extends his condolences to who her refers to as brothers and sisters of Antigua & Barbuda who are mourning the loss of Sir Lester.

Mr. Meade highlights that Sir Lester is remembered as being the one to facilitate unfettered access of Montserratians to Antigua after they were displaced by the volcanic activity in the 1990s.

The former Premier posits that Montserrat and Antigua & Barbuda have long had a close fraternal relationship.

He however states that Montserratians remain deeply grateful to the Government of Antigua & Barbuda, especially under Sir Lester’s leadership for their accommodation of the people of Montserrat in their greatest time of need.

Mr. Meade concludes that Sir Lester will forever remain one of the giants of the modern Caribbean society.

He extends sympathies and prayers to his immediate family, and the people of Antigua & Barbuda.