Broadcasting Icon Ivor GT Bird Laid to Rest

Ivor Grenville Theophilus Bird, affectionately known as “Big Bird,” was laid to rest yesterday during a funeral service that celebrated his extraordinary contributions to Antigua and Barbuda’s broadcasting industry. Friends, family, and colleagues gathered to honor the man who revolutionized the media landscape and left an indelible mark on Caribbean culture.

The service was filled with heartfelt tributes to Bird, who founded ZDK Liberty Radio 97.1 FM in 1970. His groundbreaking work created a platform for news, music, and cultural expression, shaping the careers of many who now stand as veterans in the field. His vision for radio was deeply rooted in fostering unity, joy, and enlightenment within the community.

Bird was described as a man with a “heart larger than life.” His eldest son, Sean Bird, delivered an emotional eulogy, reflecting on his father’s unwavering passion for radio and music. “Radio was Ivor, and Ivor was radio,” he declared, emphasizing the profound connection his father had with the medium.

Despite excelling in sports and academics, Bird’s true calling was radio. Sean shared how his father likened his bond with broadcasting to Ray Charles’s relationship with music—an essential part of his being. Through persistence and determination, Bird overcame challenges, including resistance from his father, the late Right Honourable VC Bird Senior, to secure a radio license and establish ZDK.

Bird’s influence on the broadcasting industry and the wider community was celebrated throughout the service. His efforts not only elevated Antigua and Barbuda’s media landscape but also brought Caribbean culture and voices to the forefront. Many of today’s prominent broadcasters credit Bird for providing the foundation upon which their careers were built.

As attendees bid farewell, the service served as both a solemn goodbye and a celebration of a life dedicated to connecting people through the power of radio. Bird’s contributions to cultural and political discourse in the nation remain a testament to his vision and dedication.

Ivor GT Bird’s legacy lives on, a towering figure whose impact will continue to inspire future generations in Antigua and Barbuda and beyond.

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