The United Progressive Party has expressed deep sorrow at the passing of former Senator Gregory Walter, who died on Sunday, January 4.

Walter served Antigua and Barbuda with distinction as a Member of the Upper House and was also a long-standing member of the UPP’s Central Executive, holding positions including Deputy Chairman and Member-at-Large. Under the Spencer Administration, he most recently served as Chairman of the Board of Education and Chairman of the Port Authority.

Former Political Leader Baldwin Spencer remembered Walter as “a passionate patriot, a loyal soldier for the cause, and a capable and trusted administrator who brought his all and gave his all.”

Past Political Leader Harold Lovell described Walter as “a tower of strength and a powerful force within the United Progressive Party,” adding that within the political life of Antigua and Barbuda, Walter was “a fearless voice for justice and good governance.”

City West Caretaker Alister Thomas also paid tribute, describing Walter as a brother-in-arms whose presence was strongly felt and will be deeply missed.

“He was steeped in the history of the Antigua Labour Party, the Progressive Labour Movement—which his father once led—the United Progressive Party, and all that came between,” Thomas said. “He will always be remembered for being on the right side of that history.”

UPP Chairperson D. Gisele Isaac recalled working closely with Walter during his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Education.

“He was a good boss, a good man, with a heart for people and a great sense of humour,” she said.

Walter was also widely known for his role as a talk-show host on Crusader Radio, according to Progressive FM Station Manager William “Zizi” Thomas, who described him as a “big, boisterous presence,” particularly when he was “dropping the hammer pan dem.”

Although current Political Leader Jamale Pringle did not work directly with Walter, he acknowledged his significant contributions to the party and national life, including his work as a public meeting host and narrator at National Heroes Day ceremonies.

“On behalf of the UPP and all its units, I extend sincere condolences to Brother Greg’s wife, Terry; his children; his siblings; and his extended family,” Pringle said. “He will long be remembered by a grateful Party for having made a difference. May his soul rest in peace.”

Gregory Walter was the son of National Hero and former Premier George Walter and educator and politician Hyacinth Walter. He was the nephew of former Rural West MP Sir Selvyn Walter and the brother of renowned cultural director Vaughn Walter.