Sir Gerald Watt to step down as Speaker on Monday

On Monday, Sir Gerald Watt the Speaker of the House will bid farewell.

In September, news broke that Sir Gerald would be stepping down after more than a decade at the helm.

The 85-year-old has had a long and distinguished career in public service, serving in several key positions.

He first served as a Senator from 1967 to 1971 and was elected to the House of Representatives from 1971 to 1975, serving as Minister for Public Utilities and Communications (1971-1973), and then as Attorney General and Minister for Legal Affairs and Labour (1974-1975).

Sir Gerald was elevated to the position of Queen’s Counsel in November 1997 and has been Head of Chambers and senior partner in the law firm Watt, Dorsett & Company.

He also served as President of the Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association (ABBA) from 1983 to 1986.

With the seat vacant, an election for a new Speaker will take place on Monday.

Initial reports point to former Senator Osbert Frederick taking up that role.

Senator Frederick has had a four-decade career in the education sector and has been a member of the Upper House of Parliament since 2014, having previously served as a Senator from 2007 to 2009.

A moment of silence will also be held during Monday’s sitting for the late MP Asot Michael who was murdered earlier this month at his Dry Hill home.

Two short bills are on the Public Business agenda as well.

The Upper House will meet the following day when Senator Michael Joseph will make his maiden statement, and Senator Govia will assume the post of Leader of Government Business in the Senate.

The Throne Speech will then take place on November 28th, budget presentation on December 5th and budget debate on December 10th.