Daughter of VC Bird Challenges the Nation to Honour His Vision

The daughter of Antigua and Barbuda’s national hero, Vere Cornwall Bird Sr., delivered a powerful reflection on her father’s legacy. She urged the nation to embrace the values of unity, faith, and service that her father embodied throughout his life and leadership.

Speaking to a congregation filled with members of the community who shared her father’s journey, she recalled fond memories of attending church with him as a child. She described sitting in the front pews, soaking in the fellowship and worship, which she credited with laying the foundation of her own faith.

“My father, the great forefather of our nation, instilled within me the power of community and the true meaning of servant leadership,” she said. She reflected on how The Salvation Army was not just a place of worship for VC Bird but a sanctuary that shaped his values and grounded him as a leader.

In a poignant moment, she revealed that it was in this very church that her father’s earthly journey concluded. “It was here that his soul and spirit were literally ushered into the arms of our Lord,” she shared.

Drawing comparisons to the Apostle Paul, she noted that like Paul, her father was not perfect but lived with a profound sense of purpose and faith. She highlighted his humility, describing his simple lifestyle and lack of concern for material wealth or personal recognition. “He didn’t seek wealth or stature; his only focus was on the people,” she remarked, sharing a lighthearted memory of his two favorite suits and his iconic “Jesus sandals.”

The speech also emphasized VC Bird’s enduring legacy, which she described as “footprints, not fleeting footsteps.” She explained that while footsteps may fade with time, her father’s contributions left an indelible mark on the nation, providing a clear path for future generations.

“We are the beneficiaries of his sacrifices and perseverance,” she said. “If we want to truly honor him, we must follow his example, not as spectators but as builders.” She urged the congregation to use his vision as a blueprint for genuine nation-building and to create ripples of positive change, much like skipping stones on water.

Her heartfelt tribute also reflected on her personal relationship with VC Bird. “To an entire country, my father was a giant of a leader. To me, he was simply Daddy,” she said, expressing gratitude for the lessons he imparted and the love he shared.

She concluded with a challenge to the nation to ensure VC Bird’s vision continues to shape the future of Antigua and Barbuda. “Let us follow his footprints and make his legacy endure far beyond our lifetimes,” she implored.

The service, held as part of the lead-up to VC Bird Day, was a stirring reminder of the late leader’s profound impact on the nation and a call to action for all Antiguans and Barbudans to embody the principles he held dear.

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