Gerald Watt
Sir Gerald Watt | |
|---|---|
| 6th Speaker of the House of Representatives of Antigua and Barbuda | |
| In office 25 June 2014 – 18 November 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Giselle Isaac-Arindell |
| Succeeded by | Osbert Frederick |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 December 1938 |
| Died | 13 December 2025 (aged 86) |
Sir Gerald Owen Anderson Watt KCN KC (19 December 1938 – 13 December 2025) was an Antiguan politician and cabinet minister. Watt represented St. John's Rural East in parliament from 1971 until 1976 and was a onetime chairman of the Antigua & Barbuda Electoral Commission.[1] Watt also served as attorney general (1971–1976)[2] during his time as Minister of National Security, Labour, and Legal Affairs. Watt was the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 25 June 2014 until 18 November 2024.[3]
Political career
2023 speaker election
Following the nomination of three candidates, the Speaker of the House of Representatives was chosen in a secret ballot in 2023 for the first time in the history of the nation. Nominations from the floor included former prime minister Baldwin Spencer, lawyer Sherrie-Ann Bradshaw, and Watt. Bradshaw received a nomination from the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Jamale Pringle for Spencer, Watt from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and independent candidate Asot Michael for Bradshaw.[4]
2023 allegations of partisanship
The United Progressive Party (UPP) considered a vote of no confidence against Watt. The leader of the UPP, Jamale Pringle, first declared that he would bring a motion forward in July 2023. Allegations of political prejudice and alleged maltreatment of opposition MPs, particularly Asot Michael of St. Peter, who was suspended for three sittings on 18 May 2023, were the main causes of the allegations.[5]
In September 2024, Watt announced his intention to retire at the end of the parliamentary session.[6]
Views
Crime
Watt supported arming police officers with tasers.[7]
Personal life and death
Watt was born on 19 December 1938,[1] and died on 13 December 2025, at the age of 86.[8]
References
- ^ a b "Caribbean Elections Biography | Gerald Watt". www.caribbeanelections.com. Archived from the original on 19 January 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- ^ "Antigua police should apologise to Sir Ron—says former Attorney General". Kaieteur News. 10 January 2012.
- ^ "Osbert Frederick Takes Oath As New House Speaker". Antigua News Room. 18 November 2024. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
- ^ "Watt returns as Speaker of the House, Yearwood accepts Deputy position". Antigua Observer Newspaper. 18 February 2023.
- ^ "UPP Vows to Proceed with No-Confidence Motion Against Speaker Sir Gerald Watt". Antigua News Room. 17 September 2023.
- ^ "Obsert Frederick to Succeed Sir Gerald Watt as Speaker of the House". Antigua News Room. 16 September 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
- ^ "Tase Them: Sir Gerald Watt QC recommends tasers for those resisting lawful arrest". 7 May 2022.
- ^ Wyland, Cory (13 December 2025). "Sir Gerald Watt KC Dies at 86". Antigua.news. Retrieved 13 December 2025.