The United Progressive Party (UPP) expresses its deep sadness at the passing of former Senator Gregory Walter on Sunday, January 4.
Walter, in addition to being a Member of the Upper House, served on the Party’s Central Executive, having held the positions of Deputy Chairman and Member-at-large. He last served the Spencer Administration in the capacities of Chairman of the Board of Education (BoE) and Chairman of the Port Authority.
He is remembered by former Political Leader Dr. Baldwin Spencer as “a passionate patriot, a loyal soldier for the cause, and a capable and trusted administrator who brought his all and gave his all.”
Harold Lovell, past political leader, says, “Greg Walter was a tower of strength and a powerful force within the United Progressive Party. Within the body politic of Antigua and Barbuda, his was a fearless voice for justice and good governance.”
City West Caretaker Alister Thomas describes his fallen brother-in-arms as a presence who was felt and will be deeply missed.
“He was steeped in the history of both the Antigua Labour Party, the Progressive Labour Movement, which his father headed, the United Progressive Party and all that came between,” Thomas says, “and he will always be remembered for being on the right side of that history.”
UPP Chairperson D.Gisele Isaac says she worked closely with Walter when he chaired the BoE. “He was a good boss, a good man who had a heart for people and a great sense of humour,” she says.
Other Party members and supporters would remember Walter in his role as a popular talk- show host on Crusader Radio, says Progressive FM Station Manager William “Zizi” Thomas. “He was a big, boisterous presence, especially when he was ‘dropping the hammer pan dem,’” he recalls.
Hon. Jamale Pringle
Dame D. Gisele Isaac
Sen. Shawn M. Nicholas
Mr. Leon George
Political Leader Chairman
General Secretary
Treasurer
While current Political Leader Jamale Pringle did not work directly with Walter, he recognizes his contributions to the Party, including as an effective, engaging host of public meetings and a narrator at the 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 extended family,” MP Pringle says. “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 Premier Sir George Walter and educator/politician Hyacinth Walter; the nephew of former Rural West MP Sir Selvyn Walter; and the brother of the well-known director of culture Vaughn Walter.
