Former Antigua Premier Dead

AntiguaCaribWorldNews, ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Weds. Mar. 4, 2008: Former Antigua & Barbuda Premier, Sir George Walter is dead.

Walter died yesterday following a week of being hospitalized. He was 79.

Walter was the former leader of the now defunct Progressive Labor Movement and served as premier of the twin-island state from 1971-1976. Sir George was also a founding member of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union, the island’s second largest trade union.

The Baldwin Spencer government yesterday said Walter will be accorded a state funeral. Sir George H. Walter’s over 40 years in the trade union and political movements serving as general-secretary of the Antigua Trades and Labor Union, founder of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union and premier of Antigua and Barbuda contributed significantly to the development of our nation. He was a true champion of the working class people of Antigua and Barbuda. He will always remain on Antigua and Barbuda’s roll of honor for his sterling contributions,` the statement said.

He is survived by four children.