The members of the House of Representatives on Monday paid tribute to the former Speaker of the House, Sir Gerald Watt, who served in the post for just over ten years and who died last Saturday.
Current Speaker, Osbert Frederick, noted that the nation mourns the loss of ‘a giant of man’ referring to Sir Gerald’s Speakership and his service to the nation of Antigua and Barbuda for many decades.
“Sir Gerald served this country for many decades and for 10 years sat as Speaker of the House of Representatives. I invite this House and all present to stand for a moment of silence in honour of this outstanding son of the soil,” he stated.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne then moved a motion asking for the suspension of the debate to allow members to offer tribute to Sir Gerald.
In his tribute to Sir Gerald, PM Browne recalled Sir Gerald’s successes is defeating attempts by the former administration to blame him for electoral system’s failures, and this was one of the things that he found compelling.
“My decision to invite him to serve our people under an ABLP administration, transcended partisan politics and was based not only on my admiration for him but, primarily on his ability and integrity to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“His rulings during the multiple sittings over ten years, showed him to be compassionate, well-informed, eager to modernize the rules governing parliamentary sessions, fair and firm in his decision-making whenever he was required to rule.
“He was an excellent Speaker of the House of Representatives,” the prime minister remarked.
The MP for St. John’s Rural West, Richard Lewis, described Sir Gerald as an independent thinker; one whose independence of thought was evidenced when he served in the PLM Administration, as Chairman of ABEC and as Speaker of the House of Representative. He revealed that Sir Gerald took a personal interest in his development and would often offer him words of advice and encouragement.
Attorney General, Sir Steadroy Benjamin spoke of Sir Gerald as a mentor and friend going back for many decades. He recalled that Sir Gerald had taken a personal interest in his development from the moment he returned from university. It was because of Sir Gerald that he went off to England to qualify as an Attorney at Law.
That’s mentorship continued throughout Sir Steadroy’s own development. Even as he was appointed a senator by the late VC Bird, Sir Gerald never wavered in his support fully cognizant that they supported opposing political parties.
According to Sir Steadroy, he played a role in convincing Sir Gerald to accept the Speakership when it was offered to him in 2014. “I can say wonderful things about Sir Gerald, because he was a wonderful man,” Sir Steadroy declared.
For Sir Molwyn Joseph, he recalled knowing of Sir Gerald as a lad growing up in Jennings as someone who did business with his father. But it was when Sir Gerald was appointed Speaker that he really got to know the man. “It was then that we had opportunities to have personal discussions. I am of the view that when history is written and we look at the pantheon of men who have made significant contributions to this nation, his place of birth, Sir Gerald Watt will be part of that pantheon,” he declared.
Leader of the Opposition, Jamale Pringle, who has had several disagreements with Sir Gerald as Speaker, showered praise on the late Speaker for contributing to shaping the politician that he has become today. “Having Sir Gerald as Speaker, forced me to grow up quickly because it wasn’t easy being the only UPP MP at the time in the House. Even with our many clashes, it never felt as it was a personal situation,” According to Pringle, Sir Gerald’s doors were always open for discussion on any subject.
Other members offering words of condolences include, MP’s Maria Browne, Daryll Matthew and E.P Chet Greene. All recalled very personal interactions with Sir Gerald and his stewardship in their personal growth and development.
