Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Monday paid glowing tribute to the late Sir Gerald Owen Anderson Watt, K.C.N., K.C., describing him as an extraordinary citizen whose passing has left the nation poorer.

Speaking during a special sitting of the House of Representatives on December 15, the Prime Minister said the country had hoped for Sir Gerald’s speedy recovery following a brief period of hospitalization, but was instead confronted with the sudden loss of a man who devoted his life to public service, integrity, and justice.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne

Sir Gerald Watt was born on December 19, 1938, and died just six days shy of his 87th birthday.

Prime Minister Browne described Sir Gerald as an independent thinker, a courageous Antiguan, and a physically strong and intellectually gifted lawyer who consistently placed country above self. He said Sir Gerald’s career was marked by a fierce commitment to justice and a willingness to stand firm in defense of what he believed was right for Antigua and Barbuda and its people.

Sir Gerald first entered the public spotlight 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 built a formidable reputation as a skilled and efficient litigator.

His interest in governance never waned. In 2005, he was appointed Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC), a role in which he again demonstrated his independence and integrity. Prime Minister Browne recalled that Sir Gerald faced a tribunal of three judges following attempts to hold him responsible for shortcomings during the 2009 General Elections.

“Sir Gerald prevailed,” the Prime Minister noted, adding that he resisted all efforts to tarnish his reputation or shift blame for failures that stemmed from a lack of resources and inaction by the administration of the day. Despite being denied entry to the ABEC offices by law enforcement officers at one point, Sir Gerald remained resolute.

Prime Minister Browne said he was deeply impressed by Sir Gerald’s courage and legal skill in successfully challenging an administration he had once served.

When the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party returned to office in 2014, Sir Gerald was invited to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister said the decision transcended partisan politics and was grounded in Sir Gerald’s ability, integrity, and commitment to fair governance.

Over a decade as Speaker, Sir Gerald was described as compassionate, knowledgeable, fair, and firm. His rulings reflected a desire to modernize parliamentary procedures while upholding the highest standards of fairness and professionalism.

“He was an excellent Speaker of the House,” Prime Minister Browne said, noting that Sir Gerald’s legal training, advocacy skills, and sound judgment combined to make his stewardship of parliamentary proceedings both professional and effective.

Beyond public life, Sir Gerald lived a rich and active personal life. He was a passionate sports enthusiast, participating in track and field, cricket, bodybuilding, and regular training at Barrows Gym. During his law studies in England, he reportedly played county cricket.

He also had a deep love for photography, golf, sailing, and the sea. Sir Gerald was heavily involved in sport fishing, competing locally and regionally in Guadeloupe and St Martin aboard his vessel, Therapy II, and at one point held the record for the largest white marlin.

Prime Minister Browne said Sir Gerald leaves behind a proud legacy for his son Garvin, his nephew John, and other family members. He added that Sir Gerald’s counsel and support would be sorely missed by himself and his wife, the Honourable Maria Browne.

“We loved him and were thoroughly impressed with him,” the Prime Minister said.

Sir Gerald Watt will be accorded an official funeral. The Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda have expressed condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, and thanked him for his outstanding service to the nation.

“Our country has lost a gem,” Prime Minister Browne said.