Vere Cornwall Bird assumed the presidency of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union

Vere Cornwall Bird assumed the presidency of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (ATLU), establishing a pivotal role in Antigua and Barbuda's labor and political spheres. Bird, a former sugar cane laborer, became a powerful speaker for the working class. The ATLU was the first formal labor organization in the British Leeward Islands, providing a platform for workers to demand better wages and conditions. The ATLU's establishment was a response to poor labor conditions and economic oppression faced by sugar plantation workers. Bird's rise to leadership within the ATLU enabled him to amplify these workers' voices and advocate for change. His tactics included organizing strikes and mobilizing public opinion to exert pressure on colonial authorities. This approach led to gradual improvements in labor conditions and wages. Bird's influence through the ATLU extended into the realm of politics, where he laid the groundwork for future governmental roles, including serving as Chief Minister and later as Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. His leadership transformed the ATLU into a significant political force, central to the island's push for decolonization and self-governance. #MoofLife #AntiguaAndBarbuda #LabourMovement #PoliticalLeadership #VereCornwallBird