ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

Former Antigua and Barbuda premier Sir George Walter died yesterday at the Holberton Hospital, his family has confirmed.

Sir George, 79, had been hospitalised for a week prior to his death.

The former leader of the now defunct Progressive Labour Movement (PLM) served as premier of this twin-island state from 1971-1976.

Following his party's defeat in the 1976 elections to the Antigua Labour Party, he and other members of his PLM colleagues were arrested and jailed on corruption charges stemming from alleged mismanagement in office. He was later released on appeal.

Sir George was also a founding member of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union, the island's second largest trade union.