Parliament Suspends Budget Debate to Honour Former Speaker Sir Gerald Watt

Parliament Suspends Budget Debate to Honour Former Speaker Sir Gerald Watt

The House of Representatives on Monday suspended its 2026 Budget Debate to allow members to pay tribute to former Speaker of the House and former Attorney General Sir Gerald Watt, whose death has prompted an outpouring of remembrance across the political divide.

At the start of the sitting, Speaker of the House Sir Osbert Frederick acknowledged the passing of Sir Gerald Watt and invited members to observe a moment of silence in his honour. The House then unanimously agreed to suspend the order of business to facilitate tributes .

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Member of Parliament for St. John’s City West, formally moved the motion to suspend the debate and led tributes on behalf of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda. In his statement, Browne described Sir Gerald as “a national icon” whose death had left the country “a poorer people.”

The Prime Minister traced Sir Gerald’s public service to 1971, when he was appointed Attorney General at the age of 33, and later to his tenure as Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission before becoming Speaker of the House in 2014. Browne said Sir Gerald’s independence, integrity and legal acumen defined his decade in the Speaker’s chair, noting that his rulings were firm, fair and delivered without fear or favour. He also confirmed that Sir Gerald will be accorded an official funeral .

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle, Member of Parliament for All Saints East and St. Luke, also paid tribute, describing Sir Gerald as an independent thinker who consistently encouraged younger parliamentarians. Pringle recalled receiving guidance and words of reassurance from Sir Gerald during his early days in the House, saying the former Speaker took a personal interest in mentoring members.

Attorney General Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, Member of Parliament for St. John’s City South, delivered an emotional tribute, describing Sir Gerald as a mentor and lifelong friend. Benjamin said Sir Gerald played a pivotal role in shaping his legal career, from his earliest days at the Bar through his development as an advocate and parliamentarian. He credited Sir Gerald with instilling discipline, confidence and professional excellence in generations of lawyers, telling the House that Antigua and Barbuda had lost “a very great man” .

Richard Lewis, Member of Parliament for St. John’s Rural West, reflected on Sir Gerald’s service under successive administrations, describing him as candid, fearless and unwavering in his independence. Lewis said Sir Gerald’s encouragement during his first budget presentation left a lasting impression and spoke to his commitment to nurturing principled leadership.

Several senior members also highlighted Sir Gerald’s command of the House, with one MP stating that no modern Speaker exercised greater authority or maintained stronger order in parliamentary proceedings. Members pointed to his deep understanding of law and procedure, which they said strengthened the integrity of Parliament and democratic governance.

Beyond his parliamentary service, members recalled Sir Gerald’s involvement in sports, fishing and civic life, describing him as a well-rounded patriot deeply invested in the national development of Antigua and Barbuda.

Tributes concluded with condolences extended to Sir Gerald’s son and family, as members agreed that his contribution to the legal system and Parliament would remain a lasting part of the country’s history. The House was later set to resume debate on the 2026 national budget following the tribute session .

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