ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

Some of the region's leading intellectuals have been showering praises on the late Antigua and Barbuda premier, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, as activities continue to mark the centenary of the national hero.

Jamaican scholar and former University of the West Indies pro-vice-chancellor, Professor Rex Nettleford, said Sir Vere was a man totally committed to Caribbean nationhood.

"Antigua has always been a fantastic model and not given the credit that it deserves. It has tremendous pedigree in this whole shaping of the Caribbean, the English-speaking Caribbean, because of VC Bird and because VC, as I've always said, was on the right side of history," Professor Nettleford said during public lecture on Wednesday night.

Other members of the panel were the head of the Centenary Anniversary Committee, Alister Thomas; Professor Paget Henry; Professor Natasha Lightfoot; Sir Shridath Ramphal, and Sir Vere's son and former Prime Minister Lester Bird.

Used power wisely

Bird spoke of his father as a man who understood power, but who learnt how to use power wisely. He also drew references to the philosophy documented by Antigua Trades and Labour Union's Education Committee in 1946 that formed the basis of much of the development that was to follow decades later.

Sir Vere, who is regarded as the father of the nation, would have turned 100 on December 9.