Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne on Monday led tributes to the late Sir Gerald Owen Anderson Watt, KCN, KC, describing him as an extraordinary citizen whose passing has left Antigua and Barbuda “a poorer people.”
Speaking during a Special Sitting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Browne said Sir Gerald died suddenly following a brief hospitalization, just six days short of his 87th birthday. He noted that while there had been hope for a full recovery, the nation was instead confronted with the loss of a man whose life and service had profoundly shaped the country’s legal and parliamentary institutions.
Born on December 19, 1938, Sir Gerald Watt was remembered as an independent thinker, a courageous Antiguan, and a physically strong and intellectually gifted lawyer. Prime Minister Browne praised him as a formidable advocate for justice, whose career was defined by integrity, fearlessness, and an unwavering commitment to what he believed was best for Antigua and Barbuda and its people.
Sir Gerald first rose to national prominence as a young attorney-at-law and, in 1971, at the age of 33, was appointed Attorney General by the country’s second Premier. Following the end of that administration in 1976, he returned to private legal practice, where he earned a reputation as a fierce litigator and an efficient, highly respected legal professional.
His interest in national governance never waned. In 2005, Sir Gerald was appointed Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC), a role he approached with the same independence and resolve that marked his legal career. Prime Minister Browne recalled that following the 2009 General Elections, Sir Gerald faced a tribunal of three judges amid attempts to attribute electoral failures to his leadership. He successfully defended his record, standing firm against what were described as unjust efforts to undermine his integrity.
Despite being denied entry to the ABEC building during that period, Sir Gerald refused to allow his reputation to be diminished to shield political misjudgments, particularly in relation to repeated requests for adequate resources to manage the electoral process. Prime Minister Browne said he was deeply impressed by Sir Gerald’s courage and skill in standing up to an administration he had once served.
Following the return of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party to office in 2014, Sir Gerald was invited by Prime Minister Browne to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister said the decision transcended partisan politics and was grounded in admiration for Sir Gerald’s integrity, competence, and capacity to serve the nation with distinction.
Over a decade in the role, Sir Gerald’s rulings were described as compassionate, fair, firm, and well-informed. He was eager to modernize parliamentary procedures and brought professionalism and efficiency to the application of the Standing Orders. Prime Minister Browne described him as “an excellent Speaker,” whose legal training, courtroom experience, and sound judgment combined to elevate parliamentary proceedings.
Beyond public life, Sir Gerald was remembered as a man who lived fully. He was an avid sportsman, participating in track and field, cricket, and bodybuilding, and was a regular at the Barrows Gym. During his law studies in England, he is said to have played county cricket. He also had a passion for photography, golf, sailing, and sport fishing, competing locally and regionally in Guadeloupe and St Martin aboard his vessel Therapy II. For a time, he held the record for the largest white marlin.
Prime Minister Browne noted that Sir Gerald leaves behind his son, Garvin, his nephew John, and other family members, to whom he bequeathed a powerful legacy of service and excellence. He said Sir Gerald’s guidance and counsel would be deeply missed by himself and his wife, the Honourable Maria Browne, describing the late statesman as someone they loved and greatly admired.
Sir Gerald Watt will be accorded an official funeral, in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation. The Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda have expressed their deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
“Our country has lost a gem,” Prime Minister Browne said, as he concluded his tribute, praying that Sir Gerald’s soul would rest in peace and rise in glory.
