ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – The people of Antigua and Barbuda are Wednesday celebrating the lives and accomplishments of the country’s national heroes as the twin-island state marks National Heroes Day.

The occasion has taken on added significance as the day also marks the centenary of the birth of Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, the country’s first premier and prime minister, who is fondly remembered as the father of the nation.

Sir Vere who was declared a National Hero in 1994, the year that he stepped away from active politics, died in 1999.

Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer said that while all four national heroes were being honoured, several activities have been planned specifically to mark the centenary.

“We will be having a series of activities throughout the day and into the night starting at the bust of VC Bird with the Salvation Army having a service and the usual wreath laying ceremony,” Spencer said.

The Antigua and Barbuda Post Office has also unveiled four commemorative stamps in Sir Vere’s honour in denominations of 30 cents, 75 cents, 90 cents and $1.50.

Spencer recalled that the late prime minister was a “very strong proponent of Caribbean integration”.

“…when the ‘little eight’ was formed some issues arose with respect to who should be in charge of post offices throughout the region… and VC Bird was very strong that while he was a great proponent of integration he felt that the post office was such an important aspect of revenue generation and so on that he told them in no uncertain terms that he will not be allowing the Post Office of Antigua and Barbuda to be ceded to anyone,” Spencer said.

“So we are delighted to be here…unveiling these commemorative stamps in memory of our national hero and founder of the nation.”

Sir Vere’s fourth son, Ivor, represented the Bird family at the ceremony and was presented with a souvenir commemorative set of the four stamps by Prime Minister Spencer.

“I want to thank the prime minister and the government of Antigua for all they have done to recognise this hundredth birthday of the founding father of this nation,” Bird said.

“I say this proudly and I am here on behalf of the family to do the honours.”

The stamps show various stages of Sir Vere’s development.

Antigua and Barbuda has four national heroes; the others being Nellie Robinson, Prince Klass and global cricketing icon Sir Vivian Richards, the country’s only living National Hero.