George Walter facts for kids
Sir George Herbert Walter (born September 8, 1928 – died March 4, 2008) was an important politician from Antigua and Barbuda. He was the Premier of his country from 1971 to 1976. He was also the founder of the Antigua Workers' Union (AWU) and the Progressive Labour Movement (PLM) political party.
Political Career
George Walter was born in 1928. He became the second Premier of Antigua and Barbuda. He helped start the Antigua Workers' Union (AWU) and the Progressive Labour Movement (PLM). Before that, he was a leader in the Antigua Trades & Labour Union (AT&LU).
In the 1971 elections, Walter's party won, and he became Premier. This was four years after Antigua and Barbuda became a British dependency, which meant it had some control over its own affairs. Walter strongly believed that Antigua and Barbuda should be fully independent. He did not agree with a British idea to make the islands part of a larger island group.
His party, the PLM, led the government from 1971 to 1976. During his time as Premier, Walter represented the area of All Saints in the government. He spent a total of 10 years in government. Five of those years were as Premier, and the other five were as the leader of the opposition party.
His government created several important things for the country. These included the Social Security Act, which helps people with money when they are sick or old. They also created the Labour Code, which set rules for workers' rights. This code was so good that other countries in the Caribbean copied it. His government also founded the Antigua & Barbuda Development Bank, which helps people and businesses get loans.
After the 1982 elections, George Walter decided to leave politics. He then went back to working on his cattle farm.
Family Life
George Walter was married to Lady Hyacinth Walter. She used to be a teacher and a principal at the Antigua Girls' High School. In 1980, she ran for a political seat in All Saints to support her husband, but she lost by a very small number of votes.
They had five children together: Sharon, Paul, Senator Gregory Walter, and Vaughn Walter.
Legacy and Honors
George Walter passed away on March 4, 2008, in St. John's. He was 79 years old. His younger brother said that he died from a heart attack.
In 2008, after his death, he was given a very special honor by his home country. He was made a Knight of the Order of the National Hero (KNH). This made him the fifth person in Antigua and Barbuda to be recognized as a national hero.
See also
In Spanish: George Walter para niños
