In a moving tribute delivered at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, attorney David Dorsett commemorated the extraordinary life and legacy of the late Sir Gerald Owen Anderson Watt, who passed away on December 13, 2025, just six days before his 87th birthday. Drawing from more than two decades of collaborative legal practice, Dorsett painted a portrait of a legal titan whose profound impact extended far beyond the courtroom.
Dorsett framed his memorial around the philosophical framework of Psalm 90, noting that Sir Gerald’s 31,771 days of life were characterized by purposeful action and institution-building. The senior counsel was celebrated as an architect of enduring legal structures, having established a law firm grounded in principles rather than convenience. His approach to jurisprudence rejected opportunistic financial gain in favor of championing difficult cases that others avoided, viewing the law primarily as an instrument for aiding those in distress.
The tribute highlighted Sir Gerald’s exacting professional standards, emphasizing his commitment to rigorous preparation, precise legal drafting, and unwavering respect for judicial procedure. Dorsett revealed that his mentor selectively engaged in legal battles guided by strategic principle rather than pragmatism, famously advising that ‘conceding under pressure is an ill-advised course’ unless grounded in fundamental values.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sir Gerald demonstrated remarkable personal investment in his colleagues’ welfare. Dorsett recounted instances during the COVID-19 pandemic when the senior counsel personally ensured his firm’s members received vaccinations and accompanied colleagues to medical appointments. His leadership style blended firm expectations with genuine paternal concern, treating younger attorneys as family members while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.
Sir Gerald’s distinguished public service portfolio included roles as Attorney General, parliamentarian, Speaker of the House, and chairman of the Electoral Commission. In each position, he brought characteristic diligence, thoroughly studying parliamentary procedure and refusing to accept responsibility for matters beyond his control. Despite health challenges in his later years, he remained actively engaged in legal discourse, maintaining clear visions for his firm’s future and the broader legal profession.
Dorsett concluded that Sir Gerald’s most enduring quality was his deep commitment to honor, leaving behind a blueprint for professional excellence that would continue to guide generations of legal practitioners in Antigua and Barbuda and beyond.
