Antigua and Barbuda

Partly Cloudy
82°F
High: 82°F
Low: 77°F
 

Lester Bird Says He Is Fit To Continue

Fit To ContinueAntigua St John's - Political Leader of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) Lester Bird has said he is fit and well, and able to continue in his role as leader of the opposition party.

Questions were raised after Bird fainted during a funeral service last week and spent several hours at a medical facility.

Speaking on the ALP weekly radio programme Insight on Tuesday night, Bird said his fainting came as a result of dehydration and had nothing to do with his diabetes, which had caused him to faint in public at least twice before.

“The church was very hot and I sweated profusely," Bird explained. "It seemed as though I did not drink enough water and this led to my collapse."

He said his diabetic condition would not prevent him from continuing as leader of the ALP.

“I am fit enough to carry out the function that I am supposed to do," he said. "Part of my problem is that I have not managed my diabetes well in the past, but this last incident has served as a wake-up call for me. I now have to ensure that I eat on time and follow my regiment."

The ALP leader he would step down immediately if he felt that he was incapable of functioning effectively.

“I would not want to maintain this position if I did not think that I could manage it… my mental faculties are as good as ever,” Bird said.


Meanwhile, Bird was critical of the 2012 Budget presented in Parliament by Finance and Economy Minister Harold Lovell on Monday. He described the budget as "empty," with little in the way of relief for the majority of people in the country. “The rhythm of pain in the life of our people is unrelenting,” Bird said.


Hits: 1901

14 Comments In This Article   

HEADER   

Listen

#14 Antiguan » 2011-12-08 02:51

I think you should cal it quits .
0
0
+
−

Antiguan

Be a consultant Sir, U will command more respect

#13 Bluddy Bloke » 2011-12-07 19:29

Just a quick word of advise Mr. Lester Bird.
I certainly see you as the best leader for this country. You definitely have what it takes as a great leader. However, age and sickness is something that we all should respect. It certainly means then, that there will come a time when we as humans need to throw in our towel when ever nature calls. I think sir, that your time is now. Yes you still have alot to offer but not as a leader of a political party but a political consultant to the party. I can assure you that you will be alot more effective and simultaneously command alot more respect from the m** out there than what you are presently recieving.
4
1
+
−

Bluddy Bloke

...the wise and prudent...

#12 Jumbee Picknee » 2011-12-07 18:17

Our Nation needs leaders who have a vision which is not rooted in crime, drugs, prostitution and corruption.
Lester, you have no positive vision for our Nation. An elementary school child has more positive vision than you. Give it up for what has been hidden from the wise and prudent will be revealed unto baby's and suckling's. GIVE THE YOUTHS THEIR OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE, your father gave you your shot after you had Bxoxxcooxxr descredit your brother Vere...me garne
0
4
+
−

Jumbee Picknee

...the wise and prudent...

#11 Jumbee Picknee » 2011-12-07 18:11

Greetings folks,
Serveral years ago, I had the opportunity to listen to the then Prime Minister speak at the our Consulate in Washington, DC. He took questions afterwards and these were two of the questions that were put forth to him along with his answers.
1...As the leader of our Nation, what role do you think agriculture should play in the future development of our Nation?
His answer was, quote "the Jews will fly in our food from Miami."
2...As the leader of our Nation, think ahead 50 years and give us a brief synopsis of what concrete ideas you have for the future generations, that is the youths of the Nation. His answer was, and again I quote, "I cannot see ahead that far. "I could not believe my ears, as the leader of a developing Nation, these were his answers. A child would have more vision than that. Give it up Lester, I don't want to see you end up like Kadaffi or Hitler...me garne
1
2
+
−

Jumbee Picknee

Time's up

#10 KR » 2011-12-07 15:15

Time's up dude. You're the boyfriend who won't take no for an answer...she done break up, and engaged to be married. Take the hint it's OVER!!!!
2
3
+
−

KR

RE: Lester Bird Says He Is Fit To Continue

#9 Pinky » 2011-12-07 10:39

For his own sake,and that of his family and friends,Lester should be seriously thinking about relinquishing his role in politics,and taking time out to 'smell the roses'.

As an ex fast bowler in the game of cricket,he must know that when the 'shine' is off the ball,it is more difficult to make it 'swing' .. making it easier for the batsman to pick up its speed and trajectory and clobber it mercilessly to the boundary.

Same thing in the game of life,Lester.As we age our bodies (both physically and mentally) loses its 'shine' and slows us down.Fortunately,
your doctor has pronounced you to be in RELATIVELY good health,why not
retire,call it 'George'......a nd enjoy the remaining time in the autumn of
your years.

Was a delight wicket-keeping for you,my friend.
3
5
+
−

Pinky

When is enough not enough?

#8 Morris » 2011-12-07 10:34

It is apparent that power is a "strong drug" and people will do almost anything to get it. I guess his new mantra should be "get elected or die trying."
5
4
+
−

Morris

Voice from the North

#7 John James » 2011-12-07 10:10

Lister Bird is in the best position to determine whether he should continue in politics . If his constituents want him they will re elect him. There is a bigger picture and whether this is about his ego or is it one in which he feels that all the mistakes the party made in the past are behind him and he can make a 360 degree change . Time will tell but the country needs to move on with new ideas and fresh DNA in leadership.List er Bird has had his time and for too long under ALP the country was associated with the stench of corruption and poor corporate governance. Gaston is seeking to change that perception which is a refreshing concept but he is not the leader Lester is.
3
4
+
−

John James

jus giv up.

#6 lethal. » 2011-12-07 10:08

boss call it quits. u carnt ro antigua d wey dem yung bouys a rob um. bouy a bouy, big man a big man.dem a use high tech, u a use chizel and stone like cave man days. 2011 a whole new ting. lester diapers nar go now, strictly wipes. me lub alp, but r u no hab na smart smaddy. :D
3
4
+
−

lethal.

Lester politics cant be more important to your health

#5 2 Cent » 2011-12-07 10:00

Lester your mental faculties will be negatively impacted by your physical challenges. You should give up now or nature will take you out. So many faintings in public not to mention the many hidden ones in private, you will continue to torture yourself. You are suffering vividly from hundred of horrible psychological denials. Who gives a damn about your mental state, when your physical deterioration is so bad. Choose good health or die seeking power that you won't get or can manage. Your best days are behind you. Face the grave bravely. Be manture and give up now or nature will throw you to the wind.
4
4
+
−

2 Cent

RE: Lester Bird Says He Is Fit To Continue

#4 Dessalines » 2011-12-07 09:33

I am not as worried about Lester's physical health as I am his ability to move Antigua forward. Antigua is a developing country, developing being the operative word. What can Lester bring to the table that he did not have the opportunity over 30 odd years to do. Nothing. He wants his power back, nothing more nothing less.
5
4
+
−

Dessalines

Almost 80?

#3 Skyewill » 2011-12-07 08:49

Fit really? I can't see it. I don't understand why politicians never want to leave office. Lester does have a ton of unfinished business in the government to cover but the same old team that led people to turn to the UPP? Why? Why? Why? WHY? give us a good reason Mr. Bird to go back to same crappy roads, utilities, and medical facilities. Give us a reason to go back to low pay and no pay of slick moves and gun running (read about that in a US news paper) Why would we want to go BACK THERE? Where is your economic developement plan? How would you plan the budget? Give us a reason Pops.
4
5
+
−

Skyewill

step aside Lester

#2 wadadlichild » 2011-12-07 08:04

Lester be a patriot and do Antigua the biggest favor and retire. You have served your country to the best of your abilities but its time to pass the reigns of power to new blood. As a leader in a globalize world I think you lack the energy/stamina and vision to keep up with the world in which we live in. Put your ego aside and pass the torch if not your risking the future of A&B in the next election......T he party needs a new leader who will absolutely energize it and bring out the voters on election day. I'm afraid you lack that capacity.
3
5
+
−

wadadlichild

RE: Lester Bird Says He Is Fit To Continue

#1 Cool Ruler » 2011-12-07 07:23

That right Lester you listen to Joey don't bother with Gaston and the other pretenders to the throne. Keep fainting right up to the next election. After all its something that happens before like the time in Jamaica when you fainted at Manley's funeral. Guess it was hot there too.
4
3
+
−

Cool Ruler

Add comment

World News

Follow us on Facebook

Spotlight on Business

Previous Next
Social Media Exposes Illegal Workers
Antigua St. John's - The saga of illegal workers at Il Giardino, the fine dining...  Read more

Latest Politics News

Search Directory


Directory Listings


GTECH Generators

    Generac’s broad range of choices in automatic standby power allows you tochoose enough protection to back up either a few essential circuits ...

Category: Generators


Legacy Gift Shoppe

  Gifts are a wonderful part of life's celebrations, good to receive and even better to give. At Legacy Gift Shoppe, we offer a wide range of Gifts ...

Category: Gifts

App

Android LogoDownload Caribarena's Android App Click To Download

Find us on Twitter!