John Watts (Grenadian politician) facts for kids

Sir John Augustus Fitzroy Watts was a very important person from the island nation of Grenada. He was a dentist, a politician, and helped start a major political party. He was honored with special titles like Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He was born in 1921 or 1922 and passed away on May 11, 2015.

Early Life and Career

John Watts was born in the area of Saint Patrick's on the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada. He traveled to the United States for his education. He studied to become a dentist at New York University. On November 21, 1955, he officially became a registered dentist in St. George's, Grenada.

Sir John was also a good friend of Herbert Blaize, who was a lawyer and government worker from Carriacou. Together, they started the Grenada National Party (GNP). This party would become very important in Grenadian politics. For ten years, Sir John led the Grenada Tourist Board, which helps promote tourism in Grenada. He also served as the president of the Caribbean Tourism Association (CTA) for two years. His hard work was recognized when he received the Order of the British Empire (CBE) on December 31, 1987.

Starting the Grenada National Party

In 1953, John Watts helped create and lead the Grenada National Party. This new party was formed to challenge the Grenada United Labour Party, which had been started two years earlier by Eric Gairy. For the next 25 years, these two parties were the main rivals in Grenadian politics.

In an early plan for the GNP, John Watts stated that the party believed in "democratic socialism." This meant they wanted a fair society where everyone had a chance to succeed. However, he made sure the party was not just for trade unions. Instead, he wanted it to appeal to people from all different parts of society. Herbert Blaize continued this idea when he became the party leader a few years later.

Early Elections and Changes

The first general election in Grenada where several political parties competed was held in 1957. This was the third election where all adults could vote. In 1960, the GNP joined with another political party to form a group. However, they lost the election the following year.

Soon after, Eric Gairy was stopped from taking part in political activities. He lost his seat in the government. Britain, which was still involved in Grenada's government, temporarily stopped the country's rules after looking into Gairy's government. The GNP then won the 1962 elections. They had promised to create a "unitary state" with Trinidad and Tobago, but this promise was not kept. Herbert Blaize remained the chief minister until the GNP lost the elections to Gairy in August 1967.

Rotary Club Involvement

In 1974, Sir John Watts became the first Rotary District Governor for District 404. This district included all the French, Dutch, and English-speaking islands in the Caribbean. Rotary is a global organization of volunteers who work to improve communities.

Later, he was chosen to be a member of the 1976 Convention Committee for Rotary International. He also helped start the Rotaract Club of Grenada on January 21, 1978. Rotaract clubs are for young adults who want to make a difference in their communities.

President of the Senate

Sir John Watts held an important position as the President of the Senate in Grenada. The Senate is part of the country's parliament, similar to a legislative body. He served in this role twice.

His first term as President of the Senate was from 1988 to 1990. He was appointed a senator on April 27, 1998, replacing Alphonsus Antoine. His second term as President of the Senate lasted from 1995 to 2004. In June 2004, he was asked to be a special advisor to the parliament. This showed how much his experience and wisdom were valued by the ruling party at the time.

Recognition and Legacy

Sir John Watts received another high honor on December 31, 1999. He was awarded the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG). This is a very special award given for important service.

In December 2012, the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association praised Sir John. They celebrated their 50th anniversary and honored him. He was recognized as the main person who inspired the creation of the association in 1961.

Dr. Keith Mitchell, a former Prime Minister of Grenada, spoke about Sir John's character. Dr. Mitchell recalled his own successful attempt to become the leader of his party in 1989. He noted that Sir John was one of the few people who said, "let democracy prevail." This happened when Dr. Mitchell took leadership from Mr. Blaize, which led to the creation of the New National Party.

A year later, during the Independence Day Awards, Sir John was one of four people honored for their important contributions to Grenada's growth.

Death

Sir John Augustus Fitzroy Watts passed away on May 11, 2015. He died near St. George's, Grenada.