Tributes Paid To Former MP Walter Roberts
[Updated] Former Premier Dr Ewart Brown and the Progressive Labour Party are mourning the passing of Walter Roberts.
Former Premier Dr Brown said, “Wanda and I are deeply saddened by the news of Walter Roberts passing. He was an elder in the PLP to whom we turned for advice. We wish his family peace and understanding.”
A PLP spokesperson said, “The Progressive Labour Party is saddened by the passing of our long serving former Member of Parliament, Walter Roberts. Walter Roberts served as the Member of Parliament for Sandys South from 1963 when he was elected as an Independent member during the first General Election. He joined the PLP and was elected as a member of the PLP Class of 1968. He served his community and our party well, successfully running in each General Election until 1993.
“Mr. Roberts also served as Deputy Party Leader for two terms: from 1968-1971 and from 1985-1993. While the PLP was in Opposition, he served at different times as Shadow Minister of Tourism, Marine & Ports, Health & Social Services & Prisons, Public Works, Transport & Communications.
“He was a champion canvasser, and his use of modern data collection techniques enabled him to assist the Sandys parish in becoming a solid beacon of PLP support over the years. He was also instrumental in assisting the Party as a whole by designing a data collection program and a formal guide to canvassing. This helped the Party to follow Sandys with additional success in winning seats, which led us to becoming the Government in 1998.
“Mr. Roberts was a businessman. He was the owner of Walter Roberts Insurance, the first Black-owned insurance company. He sold that business and joined the hospitality industry with the purchase of Somerset Bridge Apartments, which also included a restaurant. This facility was also the hub of many PLP strategic planning sessions.
“While he retired from politics prior to the historic 1998 General Election where the PLP gained power, he continued to work in the background, supporting and providing advice for candidates and the party machinery.
“We are ever so grateful for Walter Roberts’ contributions to the Progressive Labour Party. We thank his daughters Karen and Lisa, for sharing your father with us for 30 years of Parliamentary service and for the years beyond. We hope they are comforted by their memories of this PLP giant during this time of mourning.”
Update Oct 13, 10.51am: OBA Leader Jarion Richardson said, “Bermuda has indeed lost another political stalwart with the passing of Mr Walter Roberts. Mr Roberts spent many years tirelessly fighting to improve lives for Bermudians and offered so much to the local political landscape. He was a truly a leader in both the political and business worlds.
“The One Bermuda Alliance would like to extend its condolences to the family of Mr Roberts as well as to the Progressive Labour Party.”
