In 1976, Mr. Bird was appointed as Minister of Tourism, a portfolio he held for 14 years. During that time he constructed Antigua and Barbuda's tourism programme on three pillars: the creation of a modern capital city, with tourism services as its fundamental underpinning; the doubling of the number of hotel rooms to accommodate large numbers of visitors to ensure regular and sustained calls by international carriers; and the education and training of the people of Antigua and Barbuda to operate the hospitality industry at the highest international standards.

As Minister of Tourism, Mr. Bird had many accomplishments while transforming the tourism industry of Antigua and Barbuda. Prominent among them was his role in converting Antigua and Barbuda from a winter destination to a year-round holiday resort, offering full-time employment to residents of the islands. He campaigned successfully for the expansion and improvement of airport facilities, and with larger runways to accommodate modern aircrafts and a spacious new terminal, Antigua successfully opened up to the New York, Paris, Toronto, Rome and Frankfurt markets. He also saw to the creation of the Hotel and Tourism Training School and, in support of his vision, the Government constructed a 250-room resort and actively urged private sector investors to expand and improve their properties.

Another of his accomplishments was the transformation of St. John's, the capital city and a former centre for local trade, into a bustling, vibrant hub for tourism services, including duty-free shops, restaurants and other attractions. His vision was a modern city in a setting of traditional West Indian architecture offering the latest in fashion and design in and atmosphere of Caribbean charm. He helped to secure funding to dredge the harbour, build a finger pier and raise, from the rubble and decay, a complex of shops and restaurants now called Heritage Quay. With its neighbouring Redcliffe Quay, a site redolent of the 18th century, this complex provides a pier where cruise ship passengers can enjoy the culture of Antigua and Barbuda. 

During his term as Minister of Tourism, Mr. Bird spent a great deal of time travelling around the world to personally promote his country. He opened tourism promotion offices in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Miami and Milan to add to existing offices in New York and Toronto.

Mr. Bird has been serving as Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda since 1994. He is also the Finance Minister. 

Also honoured was Antigua and Barbuda's Deputy Governor General Her Excellency Yvonne Maginley, C.M.G., O.B.E., O.D. 
Ms. Maginley served as Director General of Tourism for many years.

Mr Frank Delisle, founder of LIAT and Carib Aviation was also honoured.

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