{"id":261313,"date":"2025-12-14T08:32:27","date_gmt":"2025-12-14T12:32:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=261313"},"modified":"2025-12-14T16:40:39","modified_gmt":"2025-12-14T20:40:39","slug":"video-pm-says-nation-has-lost-a-true-patriot-sir-gerald-watt-to-receive-official-funeral","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/video-pm-says-nation-has-lost-a-true-patriot-sir-gerald-watt-to-receive-official-funeral\/","title":{"rendered":"VIDEO: PM Says Nation Has Lost a \u201cTrue Patriot\u201d, Sir Gerald Watt To Receive Official Funeral"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Prime Minister Gaston Browne<\/a> has paid tribute to former Speaker of the House Sir Gerald Watt<\/a>, describing him as a fearless, intellectually formidable patriot<\/a> whose contributions to Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s democracy <\/a>will long be remembered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking on Pointe FM yesterday, Browne said Sir Gerald\u2019s death came as a shock, noting that he had been told only days earlier that the former Speaker was \u201cstrong as ever.<\/a>\u201d <\/p>

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Sir Gerald died just days short of his 87th birthday<\/a>.<\/p>

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The prime minister said he did not know Sir Gerald well before 2014, but his respect for him began much earlier, recalling an article Sir Gerald wrote in 2000 that impressed him for its clarity and courage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Browne said he later learned from the late Prime Minister Sir Lester Bird that Sir Gerald was regarded as one of the country\u2019s finest legal minds .<\/p>

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Browne recounted that after Sir Gerald\u2019s difficulties while serving as head of the Electoral Commission, he was struck by his resolve and independence of thought, describing him as fearless and unwilling to be undermined. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was that character, he said, that led him to ask Sir Gerald to serve as Speaker of the House following the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party\u2019s election victory in 2014 .<\/p>

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According to the prime minister, Sir Gerald\u2019s performance as Speaker only deepened his admiration over the past 11 years. <\/p>

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He described him as physically strong, intellectually sound and principled, adding that he was never afraid to take controversial positions if he believed he was right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Browne said Sir Gerald managed Parliament with firmness and fairness, standing up to all members, including ministers, when necessary .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe stood his ground,\u201d Browne said, recalling that Sir Gerald was known for maintaining order in the House regardless of political pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added that Sir Gerald\u2019s firmness was often difficult for members of the opposition to accept, but said it reflected his deep respect for the institution of Parliament .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Browne also noted that although Sir Gerald had previously served under other political movements, he became one of the Labour Party\u2019s strongest advocates in recent years, writing and speaking in its defence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The prime minister said the late Speaker\u2019s commitment underscored the value of attracting talented individuals from across the political spectrum to strengthen national institutions .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extending condolences to Sir Gerald\u2019s family, including his son and other relatives, Browne described him as \u201ca true patriot\u201d<\/a> and \u201ca great son of the soil\u201d who made significant contributions to nation-building. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He announced that the government will accord Sir Gerald an official funeral and that parliamentary tributes are expected when the House resumes .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same remarks, the prime minister also expressed condolences to the family of veteran educator Genevieve \u201cTeacher Gen\u201d Smith, the grandmother of Minister Anthony Smith Jr., and reiterated his support for renaming the Potters Primary School in her honour, citing her lifelong contribution to education and community life .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Browne said while the loss of both figures is deeply felt, their long lives and service to the country should be remembered with gratitude, adding that their legacies will continue to inspire future generations .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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